U.S. patent application number 13/277361 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for nanocrystal doped matrixes.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Paul Bernatis, Robert Dubrow, William P. Freeman, Joel Gamoras, Shihai Kan, Andreas Meisel, J. Wallace Parce, Baixin Qian, Jeffery A. Whiteford, Jonathan Ziebarth.
Application Number | 20120068118 13/277361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38982009 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120068118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parce; J. Wallace ; et
al. |
March 22, 2012 |
NANOCRYSTAL DOPED MATRIXES
Abstract
Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In
certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and
composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular
wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for
mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that
a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The
matrixes can also be utilized in refractive index matching
applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are
embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient,
thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The
matrixes can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on
optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for
producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also
provided. Nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small
size, and/or a narrow size distribution are also described, as are
methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures and core-shell
nanostructures with Group II-VI shells.
Inventors: |
Parce; J. Wallace; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Bernatis; Paul; (Sunnyvale, CA) ;
Dubrow; Robert; (San Carlos, CA) ; Freeman; William
P.; (San Mateo, CA) ; Gamoras; Joel; (Vallejo,
CA) ; Kan; Shihai; (San Jose, CA) ; Meisel;
Andreas; (Redwood City, CA) ; Qian; Baixin;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; Whiteford; Jeffery A.; (Belmont,
CA) ; Ziebarth; Jonathan; (Palo Alto, CA) |
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
38982009 |
Appl. No.: |
13/277361 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12590619 |
Nov 9, 2009 |
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13277361 |
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11492717 |
Jul 24, 2006 |
7645397 |
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12590619 |
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11034216 |
Jan 13, 2005 |
7374807 |
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11492717 |
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60536962 |
Jan 15, 2004 |
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60635784 |
Dec 15, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
252/301.36 ;
428/402; 556/12; 556/40; 556/9; 977/700; 977/832; 977/932 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01P 2004/04 20130101;
C09K 11/883 20130101; C01P 2002/72 20130101; Y10T 428/2995
20150115; B82Y 20/00 20130101; Y10T 428/2982 20150115; B82Y 30/00
20130101; C09K 11/565 20130101; Y10T 428/2993 20150115; G02B 1/11
20130101; C01P 2002/84 20130101; G02B 2207/101 20130101; C01G 9/08
20130101; H01L 33/502 20130101; C01P 2004/84 20130101; C01P 2004/80
20130101; C01B 19/007 20130101; Y10S 977/783 20130101; C09K 11/02
20130101; G02B 3/0087 20130101; C01P 2004/64 20130101; Y10T
428/2991 20150115; C09K 11/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
252/301.36 ;
556/9; 556/12; 556/40; 428/402; 977/832; 977/932; 977/700 |
International
Class: |
C09K 11/02 20060101
C09K011/02; B32B 5/16 20060101 B32B005/16; C07F 19/00 20060101
C07F019/00 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising: a nanostructure; and a ligand bound to
a surface of the nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body group
comprising an organic moiety, a head group coupled to the body
group, the head group comprising a nanostructure binding moiety,
and a tail group coupled to the body group, the tail group
comprising a silicone moiety.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure is a
semiconductor nanocrystal.
3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the body group comprises an
aryl moiety.
4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the body group comprises an
alkyl moiety.
5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the body group comprises a
linear alkyl moiety three carbons or four carbons in length.
6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure binding
moiety comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of a
monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid moiety, a
phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, and an amine
moiety.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the tail group comprises a
linear silicone moiety.
8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the tail group comprises a
silicone moiety other than a silsequioxane moiety or other than a
polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane moiety.
9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the ligand is selected from
the group consisting of: ##STR00043## where m is an integer between
1 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 40, and where R is
the head group; ##STR00044## where m is an integer between 1 and
20, where n is an integer between 0 and 40, and where R is selected
from the group consisting of ##STR00045## where n is an integer
between 0 and 40, and where R is selected from the group consisting
of ##STR00046## where R is selected from the group consisting of
##STR00047## where R is selected from the group consisting of
##STR00048## where m is an integer between 0 and 20, where n is an
integer between 0 and 20, where o is an integer between 0 and 20,
where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is an integer between 0 and 40, and
where R' is Me or Bu; ##STR00049## where n is an integer between 0
and 40; ##STR00050## where n is an integer between 0 and 40;
##STR00051## where n and m are integers, and where R is an alkyl
group, an aryl group, or combinations thereof; ##STR00052##
10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure is a
semiconductor nanocrystal, and wherein the ligand is ##STR00053##
where n and m are integers, and where K is an alkyl group, an aryl
group, or combinations thereof.
11. The composition of claim 1, comprising a plurality of the nano
structures, each of which has the ligand bound to its surface; and
comprising a silicone polymer in which the nanostructures are
embedded.
12. A composition comprising: a nanostructure; and a polymeric
ligand bound to a surface of the nanostructure, which ligand
comprises a linear silicone backbone, and one or more nanostructure
binding moieties coupled to the silicone backbone.
13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the ligand comprises two
or more nanostructure binding moieties.
14. The composition of claim 13, wherein each of the two or more
nanostructure binding moieties is coupled to a different silicon
atom in the silicone backbone.
15. The composition of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more
nanostructure binding moieties is coupled to the silicone backbone
through an alkyl moiety.
16. The composition of claim 12, wherein the nanostructure binding
moiety comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a
monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid moiety, a
phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, and an amine
moiety.
17. The composition of claim 12, wherein the ligand is selected
from the group consisting of: ##STR00054## where m is an integer
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o
is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is
an integer between 1 and 40, and where r is an integer between 0
and 40; ##STR00055## where n is an integer between 1 and 40, and
where m is an integer between 0 and 40; ##STR00056## where in is an
integer between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, and
where q is an integer between 1 and 40; ##STR00057## where n is an
integer between 1 and 40; ##STR00058## where in is an integer
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o
is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where q
is an integer between 1 and 40; ##STR00059## where n is an integer
between 1 and 40; ##STR00060## where R' is
--(OSiMe.sub.2).sub.rSiMe.sub.3, where m is an integer between 0
and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o is an
integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is an
integer between 1 and 40, and where r is an integer between 0 and
40; ##STR00061## where n is an integer between 1 and 40, and where
m is an integer between 0 and 40; ##STR00062## where R' is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rCH.sub.3, where in is an integer between 0 and
20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o is an integer
between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is an integer
between 1 and 40, and where r is an integer between 0 and 40; and
##STR00063## where n is an integer between 1 and 40.
18. The composition of claim 12, wherein the ligand is selected
from the group consisting of: ##STR00064## where m is an integer
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o
is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is
an integer between 1 and 40, where r is an integer between 0 and
40, and where the dimethylsiloxane moiety and the moiety bearing
the dicarboxylic acid nanostructure binding moiety are randomly
situated along the silicone backbone; ##STR00065## where m is an
integer between 1 and 40, where n is an integer between 0 and 40,
and where the dimethylsiloxane moiety and the moiety bearing the
dicarboxylic acid nanostructure binding moiety are randomly
situated along the silicone backbone; ##STR00066## where m is an
integer between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3,
where q is an integer between 1 and 40, where r is an integer
between 0 and 40, and where the phenylmethylsiloxane moiety and the
moiety bearing the dicarboxylic acid nanostructure binding moiety
are randomly situated along the silicone backbone; and ##STR00067##
where in is an integer between 0 and 40, where n is an integer
between 1 and 40, and where the phenylmethylsiloxane moiety and the
moiety bearing the dicarboxylic acid nanostructure binding moiety
are randomly situated along the silicone backbone.
19. The composition of claim 12, comprising a plurality of the
nanostructures, each of which has the ligand bound to its surface;
and comprising a polymer in which the nanostructures are
embedded.
20. A composition comprising: a nanostructure; and a ligand bound
to a surface of the nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body
group comprising an alkyl moiety, a head group coupled to the body
group, the head group comprising a nanostructure binding moiety,
and a tail group coupled to the body group, the tail group
comprising an unsaturated moiety or a silane moiety.
21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the nanostructure binding
moiety comprises a moiety selected from the group consisting of: a
monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid moiety, a
phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, and an amine
moiety.
22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the body group comprises a
linear alkyl moiety three carbons or four carbons in length.
23. The composition of claim 20, wherein the tail group comprises
an alkene moiety or an alkyne moiety.
24. The composition of claim 20, wherein the tail group comprises a
trialkyl silane moiety.
25. The composition of claim 20, wherein the ligand is selected
from the group consisting of: ##STR00068## where m is an integer
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer between 0 and 20, where o
is an integer between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is
an integer between 0 and 40, and where r is 1, 2, or 3;
##STR00069## where m is an integer between 0 and 20, where n is an
integer between 0 and 20, where o is an integer between 0 and 20,
where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where q is an integer between 0 and 40;
##STR00070##
26. The composition of claim 20, comprising a plurality of the
nanostructures, each of which has the ligand bound to its surface;
and comprising a polymer in which the nanostructures are
embedded.
27. A composition comprising: a nanostructure and a ligand bound to
a surface of the nanostructure, which ligand is selected from the
group consisting of: ##STR00071## where n is an integer between 0
and 40; ##STR00072## where n is an integer between 1 and 40, and
where m is an integer between 0 and 40; ##STR00073## where n is an
integer between 1 and 40; ##STR00074## where n is an integer
between 1 and 40; ##STR00075## where n is an integer between 1 and
40, and where m is an integer between 0 and 40; and ##STR00076##
where m is an integer between 0 and 20, where n is an integer
between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where o is an integer
between 0 and 60.
28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the ligand is ##STR00077##
where n is an integer between 7 and 12.
29. The composition of claim 27, wherein the ligand is
##STR00078##
30. The composition of claim 27, wherein the ligand is ##STR00079##
where n is an integer between 0 and 60.
31. The composition of claim 27, wherein the ligand is
##STR00080##
32. A composition comprising: a nanostructure and a ligand bound to
a surface of the nanostructure; wherein the nanostructure comprises
a semiconductor other than ZnO or ZnS, wherein the nanostructure is
a metal nanostructure, or wherein the nanostructure is a core-shell
nanostructure; and wherein the ligand is a dicarboxylic or
polycarboxylic acid other than a
poly(norbornene)-poly(norbornene-dicarboxylic acid) diblock
copolymer.
33. The composition of claim 32, wherein the nanostructure
comprises a Group III-V semiconductor.
34. A composition comprising: a population of InP nanocrystals,
wherein the average diameter of the nanocrystals in the population
is less than 2.5 nm.
35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the average diameter of
the nanocrystals is less than 2.0 nm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/034,216, filed Jan. 13, 2005, entitled
"Nanocrystal Doped Matrixes" by Parce et al., which claims priority
to and benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application No.
60/536,962, filed Jan. 15, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/635,784, filed Dec. 15, 2004, the full
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to nanocomposite matrixes,
including polymeric layers comprising nanocrystals, and processes
for preparing nanocrystal doped matrixes. The invention also
relates to nanostructure ligands, including miscibility-enhancing
ligands. The invention also relates to nanostructures having high
quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a narrow size distribution,
as well as to methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures
and core-shell nanostructures with Group II-VI shells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] High performance down-converting phosphor technologies will
play a prominent role in the next generation of visible light
emission, including high efficiency solid-state white lighting
(SSWL). In addition, such technologies are also applicable to near
infrared (NIR) and infrared (IR) light emitting technologies.
Down-conversion from ultraviolet (UV) or blue light emitting
semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs) into blue, red and green
wavelengths offers a fast, efficient and cost-effective path for
delivering commercially attractive white light sources.
Unfortunately, existing rare-earth activated phosphors or
halophosphates, which are currently the primary source for
solid-state down-conversion, were originally developed for use in
fluorescent lamps and cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and therefore have
a number of critical shortfalls when it comes to the unique
requirements of SSWL. As such, while some SSWL systems are
available, poor power efficiency (<20 light lumens/watt (lm/W)),
poor color rendering (Color Rendering Index (CRI)<75) and
extremely high costs (>$200/kilolumen (klm)) limit this
technology to niche markets such as flashlights and walkway
lighting.
[0004] Furthermore, LEDs often suffer from reduced performance as a
result of internal reflection of photons at the chip/coating
interface. Typically, LEDs are encapsulated or coated in a
polymeric material (which may comprise phosphors) to provide
stability to the light-emitting chip. Currently these coatings are
made by using an inorganic or organic coating that has a very
different refractive index than the base material (i.e., the chip),
which results in a detrimental optical effect due to the refractive
index mismatch at the interface between the two materials. In
addition, the temperature of the LED can reach in excess of
100.degree. C. To allow for the expansion and contraction that can
accompany this temperature rise, a compliant polymeric layer (e.g.,
silicone) is often placed in contact with the chip. In order to
provide additional stability to the LED, this compliant layer is
often further coated with a hard shell polymer.
[0005] The resulting LED structure suffers loss of light at the
chip/compliant polymer interface due to the lower refractive index
of the polymer coating in relation to the LED. However, if the
refractive index of the compliant layer is increased, even greater
loss will occur due at the high refractive index/low refractive
index interface between the compliant polymer and the hard shell
polymer due to internal reflection.
[0006] There are several critical factors which result in poor
power efficiencies when using traditional inorganic phosphors for
SSWL. These include: total internal reflection at the LED-chip and
phosphor layer interface resulting in poor light extraction from
the LED into the phosphor layer; poor extraction efficiency from
the phosphor layer into the surroundings due to scattering of the
light generated by the phosphor particles as well as parasitic
absorption by the LED chip, metal contacts and housing; broad
phosphor emission in the red wavelength range resulting in unused
photons emitted into the near-IR; and poor down-conversion
efficiency of the phosphors themselves when excited in the blue
wavelength range (this is a combination of absorption and emission
efficiency). While efficiencies improve with UV excitation,
additional loss due to larger Stokes-shifted emission and lower
efficiencies of LEDs in the UV versus the blue wavelength range
makes this a less appealing solution overall.
[0007] As a result, poor efficiency drives a high effective
ownership cost. The cost is also significantly impacted from the
laborious manufacturing and assembly process to construct such
devices, for example the heterogeneous integration of the
phosphor-layer onto the LED-chip during packaging (DOE and
Optoelectronics Industry Development Association "Light emitting
diodes (LEDs) for general illumination," Technology Roadmap
(2002)). Historically, blue LEDs have been used in conjunction with
various band edge filters and phosphors to generate white light.
However, many of the current filters allow photon emission from the
blue end of the spectrum, thus limiting the quality of the white
LED. The performance of the devices also suffer from poor color
rendering due to a limited number of available phosphor colors and
color combinations that can be simultaneously excited in the blue.
There is a need therefore for efficient nanocomposite filters that
can be tailored to filter out specific photon emissions in the
visible (especially the blue end), ultraviolet and near infrared
spectra.
[0008] While some development of organic phosphors has been made
for SSWL, organic materials have several insurmountable drawbacks
that make them unlikely to be a viable solution for high-efficiency
SSWL. These include: rapid photodegradation leading to poor
lifetime, especially in the presence of blue and near-UV light; low
absorption efficiency; optical scattering, poor refractive index
matching at the chip-interface, narrow and non-overlapping
absorption spectra for different color phosphors making it
difficult or impossible to simultaneously excite multiple colors;
and broad emission spectra. There exists a need therefore for
polymeric layers that aid production of high quality, high
intensity, white light.
[0009] The present invention fulfills these needs by providing
polymeric nanocomposites that function as down-converting layers,
photon-filtering layers and/or refractive index matching layers, by
taking advantage of the ability to tailor nanocrystals to maximize
their emission, absorption and refractive index properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides matrix materials doped with
nanocrystals that have specific emission and/or absorption
characteristics and also allow for specific tailoring of refractive
indexes of the nanocomposites.
[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention provides polymeric
layers comprising a polymer and semiconductor nanocrystals embedded
within the polymer, wherein the nanocrystals have a size and a
composition such that they absorb visible, ultraviolet,
near-infrared and/or infrared light, and wherein the polymeric
layers scatter a minimal portion of light that enters the layers.
In certain embodiments, the polymer is silicone. The polymeric
layers of the present invention can be used to coat optical devices
(e.g., refractive lenses or reflective elements) or can be used to
encapsulate active devices, such as a light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Suitably, the polymeric layers of the present invention that absorb
visible light will absorb red light, blue light and/or green
light.
[0012] The nanocrystals utilized throughout the embodiments of the
present invention will suitably be between about 1-10 nm in size,
about 1-4 nm in size or about 1-3 nm in size and can further
comprise miscibility-enhancing ligands attached to their surface to
aid in mixing with the polymers. The polymeric layers of the
present invention can have any effective refractive index between
that of the pure polymer and the pure nanocrystals, and will
suitably have an effective refractive index greater than about 1.5
and in certain embodiments about 1.8. In certain embodiments, the
polymeric layers of the present invention will be greater than
about 0.5 mm in thickness. Suitable polymers include silicone.
[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers comprising a polymer and semiconductor
nanocrystals embedded within the polymer, wherein the polymeric
layer has an effective refractive index greater than the polymer
alone, and wherein the polymeric layer scatters a minimal portion
of light that enters the polymeric layer. Suitably, the polymeric
layers will scatter less than about 50%, less than about 20% or
less than about 15% of light that enters the polymeric layers. In
suitable embodiments, the nanocrystals will be ZnS nanocrystals and
the polymeric layers will be greater than about 0.5 mm in
thickness.
[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers that encapsulate an active device (e.g., an LED)
that has an effective refractive index, n.sub.1. The layer
comprises a polymer and semiconductor nanocrystals embedded within
the polymer. The layer has an inner boundary in contact with the
active device and an outer boundary in contact with a medium having
an effective refractive index, n.sub.2, wherein the layer has an
effective refractive index less than or equal to n.sub.1 at the
inner boundary and an effective refractive index greater than or
equal to n.sub.2 at the outer boundary. In certain embodiments,
effective refractive index n.sub.1 will be greater than n.sub.2,
suitably greater than about 1.5, and in certain embodiments about
1.8. In certain such embodiments, the layer will have a nanocrystal
density gradient, being highest at the inner boundary and lowest at
the outer boundary. Suitably this nanocrystal density gradient will
be substantially linear throughout the polymeric layer. The
nanocrystals optionally have a size and a composition such that
they absorb visible (e.g., red, blue and/or green), ultraviolet,
near-infrared and/or infrared light.
[0015] The present invention also provides processes for preparing
polymeric layers, comprising mixing semiconductor nanocrystals at a
first density with a solvent and a polymer to form a first mixture,
coating a substrate material with the first mixture and evaporating
the solvent to form the polymeric layer, wherein the polymeric
layer has an effective refractive index of n.sub.1.
[0016] The processes of the present invention can be used to
prepare polymeric layers for coating active devices (e.g., LEDs),
or optical devices (e.g., refractive lenses or reflective
elements). The processes of the present invention can utilize
nanocrystals which further comprise miscibility-enhancing ligands
attached to their surface.
[0017] In suitable embodiments, the processes of the present
invention can further comprise mixing semiconductor nanocrystals at
a second density with a solvent and a polymer to form a second
mixture, coating the substrate material with the second mixture and
evaporating the solvent to form a second polymeric layer, wherein
the second polymeric layer has an effective refractive index of
n.sub.2. In other embodiments, the processes can further comprise
repeating these steps with a third through i.sup.th density of
semiconductor nanocrystals to produce third through i.sup.th
polymeric layers, wherein the third through i.sup.th polymeric
layers have effective refractive indices, n.sub.3 through n.sub.i,
respectively. In certain such embodiments, the effective refractive
index n.sub.1 will be greater than n.sub.2 and the effective
refractive index of the i.sup.th polymeric layer will be less than
the effective refractive index of any other polymeric layer. The
processes of the present invention can further comprise
centrifuging the first mixture of semiconductor nanocrystals,
solvent and polymer, to form a nanocrystal density gradient within
the mixture prior to coating the substrate material.
[0018] In suitable embodiments of the processes of the present
invention, the coating can be via spin coating or screen printing.
As discussed throughout, the nanocrystals used in the processes of
the present invention can have a size and a composition such that
they absorb light at a particular wavelength. In other embodiments,
the nanocrystals can be tuned so as to emit light at a particular
wavelength. In other embodiments, the process of the present
invention can utilize semiconductor nanocrystals that comprise two
or more different sizes or compositions and therefore can have
different properties. The polymeric layers produced by the
processes of the present invention will suitably be greater than
about 0.5 mm in thickness.
[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention provides solid
state white lighting devices comprising a power efficiency greater
than 25 lm/W, suitably greater than 50 lm/W, greater than 100 lm/W,
greater than 150 lm/W, or greater than 200 lm/W.
[0020] In other embodiments, the solid state white lighting devices
comprise a down converting nanocomposite that comprises two or more
semiconductor nanocrystals tuned to emit light at one or more
selected wavelengths. The solid state white lighting devices of the
present invention will suitably provide a CRI of greater than about
80. In still other embodiments, the solid state white lighting
devices comprise a matrix coupled to the two or more semiconductor
nanocrystals via one or more chemical moieties.
[0021] Another embodiment the present invention provides down
converting nanocomposite devices, comprising two or more
semiconductor nanocrystal phosphors of two or more sizes, the
nanocrystal phosphors tuned to emit light at one or more selected
wavelengths, and providing a CRI of greater than about 80; a matrix
with a high index of refraction, low UV degradation and/or matched
thermal expansion; and a chemical structure coupling the matrix to
the nanocrystal phosphors. Suitably, the two or more semiconductor
nanocrystal phosphors will comprise a core-shell structure, wherein
a shell (e.g., ZnS) provides a type I band gap with respect to a
core. The core-shell nanocrystals of the present invention will
suitably have a quantum efficiency of about 10% to about 90%.
[0022] In further embodiments of the present invention, the two or
more semiconductor nanocrystal phosphors are color matched and the
matrix can comprise TiO.sub.2. In yet further embodiments, the
nanocomposite can be layered on an LED substrate which comprises
sapphire or SiC. Suitably, the matrix will be a compliant layer
that can withstand the thermal expansion that results when the LED
heats up, and suitably will be silicone. Suitably, the matrix has a
refractive index that is the same as the LED substrate.
[0023] In another embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers, comprising a polymer; and semiconductor
nanocrystals embedded within the polymer, wherein the nanocrystals
have miscibility-enhancing ligands conjugated to their surface, and
wherein the ligands comprise an alkane chain of between 6 and 18
carbons in length. In suitable embodiments, the ligands can
comprise an alkane chain of between 12 and 18 carbons in length.
The polymer will suitably be silicone, and the semiconductor
nanocrystals will suitably have a size between about 1-10 nm (e.g.,
1-4 nm or 1-3 nm), and in certain embodiments will be ZnS
nanocrystals. In certain embodiments, the polymeric layers will
scatter a minimal portion of light that enters said polymeric layer
(e.g., less than about 50%, less than about 20%, or less than about
15% of light that enters said polymeric layer). Suitably, the layer
will be greater than about 0.5 mm in thickness.
[0024] In one aspect, the invention provides nanostructures having
ligands of the invention bound to their surface. As described
throughout, the nanostructures are optionally nanocrystals or
quantum dots, e.g., inorganic, semiconductor, or metal
nanocrystals. In certain embodiments, the nanostructures are
core-shell nanostructures. A number of exemplary ligands are
described.
[0025] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body group comprising an
organic moiety, a head group coupled to the body group, and a tail
group coupled to the body group. The head group comprises a
nanostructure binding moiety, and the tail group comprises a
silicone moiety.
[0026] The body group optionally comprises an unsaturated moiety,
for example, an aryl moiety, an alkene moiety, an alkyne moiety, or
the like. In other embodiments, the body group comprises an alkyl
moiety. For example, the body group can be an alkane chain moiety
that contains one or more carbons, e.g., 1-20 carbons. In one
embodiment, the body group is a linear alkyl moiety three carbons
or four carbons in length.
[0027] The nanostructure binding moiety can be essentially any
moiety that binds or is capable of binding to the surface of the
nanostructure. Examples include, but are not limited to, a
carboxylic acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a
dicarboxylic acid moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a
diethylphosphonate moiety, a bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a
thiol moiety, or an amine moiety.
[0028] In one class of embodiments, the tail group comprises a
linear silicone moiety. In other embodiments, the tail group
comprises a cyclic silicone moiety, a branched silicone moiety, or
a silsesquioxane moiety.
[0029] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a polymeric ligand bound to a
surface of the nanostructure. The polymeric ligand comprises a
linear silicone backbone and one or more nanostructure binding
moieties coupled to the silicone backbone.
[0030] The polymeric ligand includes two or more monomer units. As
just a few examples, a monomer unit can be a dimethylsiloxane
group, a phenylmethylsiloxane group, or a siloxane group bearing a
nanostructure binding moiety. The monomer units within the ligand
can be of the same type or of different types. In ligands including
two or more different types of monomer units, the ligand can, e.g.,
include a block copolymer or a random copolymer of the units.
[0031] As for the embodiments above, the nanostructure binding
moiety can be essentially any moiety that binds or is capable of
binding to the surface of the nanostructure, e.g., a carboxylic
acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid
moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, or an amine
moiety. The ligand optionally comprises two or more nanostructure
binding moieties, e.g., three or more, five or more, 10 or more, or
even 20 or more; each of the nanostructure binding moieties is
typically coupled to a different silicon atom in the silicone
backbone. In one class of embodiments, each of the one or more
nanostructure binding moieties is coupled to the silicone backbone
through an alkyl moiety.
[0032] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body group comprising an
alkyl moiety, a head group coupled to the body group, and a tail
group coupled to the body group. The head group comprises a
nanostructure binding moiety, and the tail group comprises an
unsaturated moiety or a silane moiety.
[0033] As for the embodiments above, the nanostructure binding
moiety can be essentially any moiety that binds or is capable of
binding to the surface of the nanostructure, e.g., a carboxylic
acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid
moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, or an amine
moiety.
[0034] In one class of embodiments, the body group is a linear
alkyl moiety. The linear alkyl moiety includes one or more carbons,
for example, 1-20 carbons. In one embodiment, the body group is a
linear alkyl moiety three carbons or four carbons in length.
[0035] In embodiments in which the tail group comprises an
unsaturated moiety, the moiety can be an alkene moiety (e.g., a
monoalkene, dialkene, or diene), an alkyne moiety, an aromatic
moiety, an aryl moiety, or the like. In embodiments in which the
tail group comprises a silane moiety, the silane moiety includes a
silicon atom with three independently selected organic
substituents. For example, the silicon atom can have three alkene
substituents or three aromatic or aryl substituents. In one class
of embodiments, the tail group comprises a trialkyl silane
moiety.
[0036] A composition of the invention optionally includes a
plurality or population of the ligand-bound nanostructures. In one
aspect, the composition comprises a plurality of the
nanostructures, each of which has the ligand bound to its surface,
and a polymer in which the nanostructures are embedded. The polymer
can be, for example, a silicone polymer (e.g., in embodiments in
which the ligand has a silicone tail group or substituent) or a
hydrocarbon or other organic polymer (e.g., in embodiments in which
the ligand has an alkyl, alkene, or other hydrocarbon tail or
substituent).
[0037] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
including a nanostructure and a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanostructure, where the ligand is a dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic
acid other than a poly(norbornene)-poly(norbornene-dicarboxylic
acid) diblock copolymer (e.g., any of the carboxylic acid ligands
described herein). In one class of embodiments, the nanostructure
comprises a semiconductor other than ZnO or ZnS. In another class
of embodiments, the nanostructure is a metal nanostructure. In one
aspect, the nanostructure is a core-shell nanostructure.
[0038] In other aspects, the invention provides nanostructures and
methods of making nanostructures. One general class of embodiments
provides methods for production of InP nanostructures. In the
methods, a first precursor, e.g., indium acetate, and a second
precursor, e.g., tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine, are provided. The
first and second precursors are reacted in the presence of an acid
and a solvent to produce the nano structures. The solvent is
preferably a solvent other than octadecene. For example, the
solvent can be TOPO, TOP, benzophenone, hexadecane, octadecane, or
another solvent with a similarly high boiling point. In one class
of embodiments, the acid is a fatty acid, for example, lauric acid,
capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, or stearic acid. In
other embodiments, the acid is a phosphonic acid, a dicarboxylic
acid, or a polycarboxylic acid, for example, one of those described
herein or known in the art.
[0039] Another general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of core-shell nanostructures having Group II-VI
semiconductor shells. In the methods, a nanostructure core is
provided, and a shell surrounding the core is produced by providing
a first precursor comprising a Group II atom, providing a second
precursor comprising a Group VI atom, and reacting the first and
second precursors in the presence of a ligand to produce the shell.
The ligand is a dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid. Exemplary
first precursors include diethylzinc, dimethyl zinc, zinc oxide,
zinc stearate, and zinc acetate. Exemplary second precursors
include hexamethyldisilthiane and elemental sulfur.
[0040] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a population of nanostructures, which population
displays a quantum efficiency of 50% or greater. A member
nanostructure of the population comprises a core and a shell, which
core is other than a Cd-containing core or a Pb-containing core.
Optionally, the population displays a quantum efficiency of 55% or
greater, e.g., about 60% or more.
[0041] In one class of embodiments, a ligand is bound to a surface
of the member nanostructure. Exemplary ligands include, but are not
limited to, those described herein, for example, dicarboxylic acid
ligands. In one class of embodiments, the core comprises a Group
III-V semiconductor, e.g., InP. In one class of embodiments, the
shell comprises a Group II-VI semiconductor such as ZnS, ZnSe, or
ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x. In one class of embodiments, the member
nanostructure comprises an InP core, optionally, with a ZnS, ZnSe,
or ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x shell, and optionally with a ligand bound to
a surface of the nanostructure.
[0042] One class of embodiments provides a composition comprising a
population of InP nanocrystals, wherein the average diameter of the
nanocrystals in the population is less than 2.5 nm, e.g., less than
2.0 nm.
[0043] One class of embodiments provides a composition comprising a
population of InP nanocrystals, wherein a luminescence spectrum of
the population has a full width at half maximum of less than 70 nm.
For example, the full width at half maximum can be less than 60 nm,
less than 50 nm, or even 40 nm or less. The nanocrystals are
optionally small, e.g., 1-6 nm or 1.5-5.5 nm in size; optionally,
the emission spectrum of the population has an emission maximum
between 500 nm and 750 nm.
[0044] In one aspect, the present invention provides luminescent
nanocomposites and methods for incorporating luminescent
nanostructures into curable matrices while preserving the
luminescent properties into the solid state. The nanostructures
optionally have ligands bound to their surface, including novel
ligands of the invention and/or other tightly binding ligands.
[0045] One general class of embodiments thus provides a luminescent
nanocomposite comprising a population of luminescent nanocrystals,
which nanocrystals are embedded in a matrix, and which nanocrystals
substantially retain their luminescence when embedded in the
matrix. The matrix is preferably an epoxy, polyurea, or
polyurethane matrix. As noted, the nanocrystals remain luminescent
when embedded in the matrix. Thus, light output of the composite is
optionally at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%
or more of light output of a comparable population of nanocrystals
not embedded in the matrix.
[0046] In one class of embodiments, a ligand is bound to a surface
of a member nanocrystal, and the ligand includes an amine moiety or
a dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the surface of the member
nanocrystal.
[0047] In one aspect, the nanocrystals are non-Cd containing
nanocrystals. In one embodiment, the nanocrystals are core-shell
nanocrystals, and the cores comprise a Group III-V semiconductor.
As just a few examples, the nanocrystals can be InP/ZnS, InP/ZnSe,
or InP/ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x core-shell nanocrystals or InP/ZnSe/ZnS
core/shell/shell nanocrystals.
[0048] A related general class of embodiments provides a
luminescent nanocomposite comprising a population of luminescent
nanocrystals embedded in a matrix, wherein a ligand is bound to a
surface of a member nanocrystal. The ligand preferably comprises an
amine moiety or a dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the
surface of the member nanocrystal. Preferably, as for the
embodiments above, the nanocrystals substantially retain their
luminescence when embedded in the matrix.
[0049] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these compositions as well, as relevant; for
example, with respect to type of nanocrystal, type of ligand,
and/or the like. For example, the nanocrystals are optionally
non-Cd containing nanocrystals. In one embodiment, the matrix
comprises epoxy, polyurea, or polyurethane.
[0050] The invention also provides methods of making such
luminescent composites. Thus, one general class of embodiments
provides methods of producing a luminescent nanocomposite, in which
luminescent nanocrystals are provided and mixed with one or more
matrix precursors to form a first mixture. The matrix precursors
are cured to produce a matrix, e.g., an epoxy, polyurea, or
polyurethane matrix, thereby providing the nanocomposite. The
resulting nanocomposite comprises the luminescent nanocrystals
embedded in the matrix, wherein the nanocrystals substantially
retain their luminescence when embedded in the matrix. The methods
optionally include casting or forming the first mixture into a
desired shape prior to curing the matrix precursors.
[0051] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these methods as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to light output, composition of the nanocrystals,
associated ligands, and/or the like. For example, providing
luminescent nanocrystals optionally comprises providing luminescent
nanocrystals having a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanocrystals. The ligand can include an amine moiety or a
dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the surface of the
nanocrystals.
[0052] A related general class of embodiments also provides methods
of producing a luminescent nanocomposite. In the methods,
luminescent nanocrystals having a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanocrystals are provided. The ligand preferably comprises an amine
moiety or a dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the surface of
the nanocrystals. The nanocrystals are mixed with one or more
matrix precursors to form a first mixture, and the matrix
precursors are cured to produce a matrix, thereby providing the
nanocomposite comprising the luminescent nanocrystals embedded in
the matrix. Preferably, the nanocrystals substantially retain their
luminescence when embedded in the matrix. The methods optionally
include casting or forming the first mixture into a desired shape
prior to curing the matrix precursors.
[0053] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these methods as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to composition of the nanocrystals, light output,
exemplary ligands, type of matrix, and/or the like.
[0054] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by the structure and particularly pointed out in the
written description and claims hereof as well as the appended
drawings.
[0055] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0057] FIG. 1 shows absorption and emission spectra for various
nanocrystal radii showing continuous tailoring of the emission and
absorption wavelengths.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a comparison of traditional thick phosphors
integrated during packaging, and a nanocomposite down-converting
layer integrated prior to dicing, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows the elimination of wasted light at the edges of
the visible spectrum by using phosphor nanocrystals, compared to
traditional phosphor edge losses.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows the normalized intensity generated by mixing a
continuum of nanocrystal sizes, creating broad-band white
light.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a three color emitting LED in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a polymeric layer in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a polymeric layer having
a nanocrystal density gradient in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an optical device with a
polymeric layer coating the device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 9 is a plot showing the effective refractive index of
various matrixes versus volume loading ratio of ZnS
nanocrystals.
[0066] FIG. 10 is a plot showing the effective refractive index of
a silicone nanocomposite comprising ZnS nanocrystals as a function
of wavelength.
[0067] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode
encapsulated within a polymeric layer in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode
encapsulated within a polymeric layer having a nanocrystal density
gradient in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0069] FIG. 13 is a traditional LED chip-silicon cap assembly.
[0070] FIG. 14 is a nanocomposite-LED chip assembly in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 15 is a nanocomposite-LED chip assembly in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 16 is a plot of percent transmittance for a silicone
nanocomposite comprising ZnS nanocrystals as a function of
nanocrystals size.
[0073] FIG. 17 is a plot of percent transmission for a silicone
nanocomposite comprising ZnS nanocrystals as a function of
wavelength.
[0074] FIG. 18 shows a representation of a 3-part ligand, with a
tail-group, a head group and a middle/body-group.
[0075] FIG. 19 is an example ligand that can be conjugated to the
nanocrystals of the present invention.
[0076] FIGS. 20a-20n show examples, chemical synthesis, and NMR
characterization of several example ligands in accordance with the
present invention.
[0077] FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting processes for preparing
polymeric layers in accordance with the present invention.
[0078] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a polymeric layer
comprising individual layers each with a different nanocrystal
density gradient according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0079] FIG. 23 shows an X-Ray diffraction analysis of ZnS
nanocrystals.
[0080] FIG. 24 shows Transmission Electron Micrographs of ZnS
nanocrystals.
[0081] FIG. 25 A-B schematically illustrate chemical synthesis of
an exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 26 schematically illustrates chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0083] FIG. 27 schematically illustrates chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 28 schematically illustrates chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 29 schematically illustrates chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 30 schematically illustrates chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 31A-C schematically illustrate chemical synthesis of an
exemplary ligand in accordance with the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 32 presents a photoluminescence spectrum of a typical
InP/ZnS nanocrystal sample with green emission. The FWHM of the
spectrum is indicated.
[0089] FIG. 33 Panel A presents absorption spectra of fluorescein
dye. Panel B presents photoluminescence spectra of the dye. Panel C
presents an absorption spectrum of the InP/ZnS nanocrystals of FIG.
32. Panel D presents a photoluminescence spectrum of the
nanocrystals. Panel E shows the quantum yield deduced from Panels
A-D.
[0090] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference
numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0091] It should be appreciated that the particular implementations
shown and described herein are examples of the invention and are
not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention
in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional
electronics, manufacturing, semiconductor devices, and nanocrystal,
nanowire (NW), nanorod, nanotube, and nanoribbon technologies and
other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the
individual operating components of the systems) may not be
described in detail herein. It should further be appreciated that
the manufacturing techniques described herein can be used to create
any semiconductor device type, and other electronic component
types. Further, the techniques would be suitable for applications
in electrical systems, optical systems, consumer electronics,
industrial or military electronics, wireless systems, space
applications, or any other application.
[0092] The present invention provides various polymeric
nanocomposites comprising polymeric materials with embedded
nanocrystals. The various properties of the nanocrystals, including
their absorption properties, emission properties and refractive
index properties, are utilized to create nanocomposites that can be
tailored and adjusted for various applications. In one embodiment,
the present invention provides applications of semiconductor
nanocrystals that utilize their emission properties in
down-conversion applications. In another embodiment, the present
invention combines two, non-electronically active properties of the
same nanocrystals, by using the high absorption coefficient and
relatively sharp band edge of the nanocrystals to filter light as a
cutoff filter. In another embodiment, the high refractive index of
nanocrystals can also be used when mixed into low refractive index
materials to create substantially transparent nanocomposites with
effective refractive indexes matched to the substrates they are
coating. In further embodiments, the refractive index of the
nanocomposite can be matched to a second, further encapsulating
material. The present invention also provides for nanocomposites
that combine two or more of these various properties in different
configurations into the same nanocomposite.
[0093] One aspect of the present invention provides novel
nanostructure ligands, including, for example, ligands that enhance
the miscibility of nanostructures in solvents or polymers, increase
quantum efficiency of nanostructures, and/or preserve nanostructure
luminescence when the nanostructures are incorporated into a
matrix. Other aspects provide methods of making indium phosphide
nanostructures and core-shell nanostructures, as well as
nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a
narrow size distribution.
[0094] As used herein, the term "nanocrystal" refers to
nanostructures that are substantially monocrystalline. A
nanocrystal has at least one region or characteristic dimension
with a dimension of less than about 500 nm, and down to on the
order of less than about 1 nm. As used herein, when referring to
any numerical value, "about" means a value of .+-.10% of the stated
value (e.g. about 100 nm encompasses a range of sizes from 90 nm to
110 nm, inclusive). The terms "nanocrystal," "nanodot," "dot" and
"quantum dot" are readily understood by the ordinarily skilled
artisan to represent like structures and are used herein
interchangeably. The present invention also encompasses the use of
polycrystalline or amorphous nanocrystals.
[0095] Typically, the region of characteristic dimension will be
along the smallest axis of the structure. Nanocrystals can be
substantially homogenous in material properties, or in certain
embodiments, can be heterogeneous. The optical properties of
nanocrystals can be determined by their particle size, chemical or
surface composition. The ability to tailor the nanocrystal size in
the range between about 1 nm and about 15 nm enables photoemission
coverage in the entire optical spectrum to offer great versatility
in color rendering. Particle encapsulation offers robustness
against chemical and UV deteriorating agents.
[0096] Nanocrystals for use in the present invention can be
produced using any method known to those skilled in the art.
Suitable methods are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/796,832, filed Mar. 10, 2004, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/656,910, filed Sep. 4, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/578,236, filed Jun. 8, 2004, the disclosures of
each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties. The nanocrystals for use in the present invention can
be produced from any suitable material, suitably an inorganic
material, and more suitably an inorganic conductive or
semiconductive material. Suitable semiconductor materials include
those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/796,832 and
include any type of semiconductor, including group II-VI, group
III-V, group IV-VI and group IV semiconductors. Suitable
semiconductor materials include, but are not limited to, Si, Ge,
Sn, Se, Te, B, C (including diamond), P, BN, BP, BAs, AlN, AlP,
AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InN, InP, InAs, InSb, MN, AlP,
AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe,
CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, BeS, BeSe, BeTe, MgS, MgSe, GeS, GeSe, GeTe,
SnS, SnSe, SnTe, PbO, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, CuF, CuCl, CuBr, CuI,
Si.sub.3N.sub.4, Ge.sub.3N.sub.4, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, (Al, Ga,
In).sub.2 (S, Se, Te).sub.3, Al.sub.2CO, and an appropriate
combination of two or more such semiconductors.
[0097] In certain aspects, the semiconductor nanocrystals may
comprise a dopant from the group consisting of: a p-type dopant or
an n-type dopant. The nanocrystals useful in the present invention
can also comprise II-VI or III-V semiconductors. Examples of II-VI
or III-V semiconductor nanocrystals include any combination of an
element from Group II, such as Zn, Cd and Hg, with any element from
Group VI, such as S, Se, Te, Po, of the Periodic Table; and any
combination of an element from Group III, such as B, Al, Ga, In,
and Tl, with any element from Group V, such as N, P, As, Sb and Bi,
of the Periodic Table.
[0098] Other suitable inorganic nanostructures include metal
nanostructures. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to,
Ru, Pd, Pt, Ni, W, Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh, Hf, Nb, Au, Ag, Ti, Sn,
Zn, Fe, FePt, and the like.
[0099] The nanocrystals useful in the present invention can also
further comprise ligands conjugated, cooperated, associated or
attached to their surface as described throughout. Suitable ligands
include any group known to those skilled in the art, including
those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/656,910 and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/578,236. Use of such
ligands can enhance the ability of the nanocrystals to incorporate
into various solvents and matrixes, including polymers. Increasing
the miscibility (i.e., the ability to be mixed without separation)
of the nanocrystals in various solvents and matrixes allows them to
be distributed throughout a polymeric composition such that the
nanocrystals do not aggregate together and therefore do not scatter
light. Such ligands are described as "miscibility-enhancing"
ligands herein.
[0100] As used herein, the term nanocomposite refers to matrix
materials comprising nanocrystals distributed or embedded therein.
Suitable matrix materials can be any material known to the
ordinarily skilled artisan, including polymeric materials, organic
and inorganic oxides. Nanocomposites of the present invention can
be layers, encapsulants, coatings or films as described herein. It
should be understood that in embodiments of the present invention
where reference is made to a layer, polymeric layer, matrix, or
nanocomposite, these terms are used interchangeably, and the
embodiment so described is not limited to any one type of
nanocomposite, but encompasses any matrix material or layer
described herein or known in the art.
I. Down-Converting Nanocomposites
[0101] In order to become competitive with traditional lighting
from fluorescent and incandescent lights, significant improvements
must be made in solid-state white lighting (SSWL). Improvements not
just in the quantum efficiency of the phosphors, but in all aspects
of the down-conversion system that relate to efficiency,
color-rendering and overall system cost are needed. In one
embodiment, the present invention provides a complete
down-conversion system based on engineered nanocomposite materials
for use with currently available blue LED excitation sources that
dramatically improve the overall cost, performance and efficiency
of SSWL. The down-converting nanocomposites of the present
invention utilize the emission properties of nanocrystals that are
tailored to absorb light of a particular wavelength and then emit
at a second wavelength, thereby providing enhanced performance and
efficiency of active sources (e.g., LEDs). As such, the
nanocrystals utilized in the down-converting applications of the
present invention will be constructed and tailored so as to be
highly emitting. In one embodiment, this system produces SSWL that
exceeds performance of the best traditional fluorescent and
incandescent bulbs, with color rendering of greater than 80 and
power efficiency of greater than 200 lm/W, at a cost of less than
one U.S. dollar/klm.
Performance Characteristics of SSWL Devices
[0102] To evaluate the performance characteristics of solid-state
white lighting (SSWL) devices, three primary attributes are
commonly used: (1) luminous efficiency, (2) Correlated Color
Temperature (CCT) and (3) Color Rendering Index (CRI). DOE and
Optoelectronics Industry Development Association "Light emitting
diodes (LEDs) for general illumination," Technology Roadmap
(2002).
[0103] The luminous efficiency (measured in lm/W) is the efficiency
of the conversion from electrical power (W) to optical power (W),
combined with the efficiency of the conversion from optical power
(W) to the luminous flux. The luminous efficiency is influenced by
a number of factors, and can, in general terms, be written as a
contribution of several separate efficiencies:
E.sub.luminous=.eta..sub.wp.times..eta..sub.lum.times..eta..sub.ss.times-
..eta..sub.IQE.times..eta..sub.package(E.sub.os, E.sub.pa,
E.sub.TIR, E.sub.exp).times.
where .eta..sub.wp, is the wall plug efficiency, .eta..sub.lum is
the photopic efficiency/response of the human eye, .eta..sub.ss, is
the stokes shift efficiency from converting a blue photon to a
longer wavelength photon, .eta..sub.IQE is the internal quantum
efficiency of the phosphor, and .eta..sub.package is overall
package efficiency and accounts for losses in light extraction
efficiency from optical scattering (E.sub.os), parasitic scattering
(E.sub.ps), total internal reflection (E.sub.TIR), external
packaging like the lead frame and submount (E.sub.exp), etc.
[0104] CCT or correlated color temperature refers to the human eye
property of being optimally adapted to the sunlight spectral
content. The relative intensities of the blue (B), red (R) and
green (G) colors, for the desired white color, referred to as
chromaticity coordinates, optimally reproduce those in the visible
sunlight, which corresponds to a blackbody spectral distribution of
6000 Kelvin (K). For optimum illumination the chromaticity
coordinates for R, G and B must fall near the black body radiation,
for temperatures between 2000.degree. C. and 8000.degree. C. Higher
or lower than "optimum" temperatures register to the eye as too
"cold" or too "warm" color hues.
[0105] Color rendering has to do with the appearance of various
object colors under a given source illumination, compared to that
from a reference source. A collection of 14 sample colors of
different saturation is customarily used for the color rendering
index (CRI), which provides a quantitative measure on a scale of 1
to 100. Two sources of similar color temperature may produce widely
varying CRIs. Low CRIs make colors unacceptable for illumination,
while high CRI (>80) are acceptable for general illumination
purposes.
Procedure for Providing an Optimized White Light Emitting
Device
[0106] In one embodiment, the present invention provides processes
comprising:
[0107] (1) A simulation model can be used to determine optimized
nanocrystal mixtures for CRI, CCT, and luminous efficiency with
targets of CRI>80, CCT about 4,000 K and efficiency of 200
lm/W.
[0108] (2) Nanocrystals and nanocrystal component mixtures are
synthesized with emission peak widths, peak maximums, and intensity
ratios determined by simulation.
[0109] (3) A controlled nanocrystal phosphor nanocomposite is
developed, including: (a) a surface ligand capable of achieving
high (about 20% or more) loading density in the selected composite
is produced; (b) a ligand exchange process to incorporate a 3-part
ligand onto the nanocrystal is performed; (c) a homogeneous,
non-phase separated TiO.sub.2 nanocomposite with nanocrystal
loading densities up to 20% by volume is produced; (d) quantum
yield (QY) dependence on nanocrystal loading density in the
nanocomposite is determined; (e) an index of refraction dependence
on loading density in the nanocomposite and index-matching of the
nanocomposite to blue LED substrate (e.g., sapphire and/or SiC) is
determined; and (f) a relationship of loading density and film
thickness to optimize refractive index matching and nanocomposite
optical density is determined.
Simulations for Determining Optimum Nanocrystal Component Mixture
for High Color Rendering, Color Temperature and High Efficiency
[0110] In order to predict and maximize CRI, CTT and luminous
efficiency of nanocrystal mixtures, a dynamic and robust simulation
model is used. A super-convergent, random-search, parameter
optimization algorithm is used to find the maximum performance
point, subject to the imposed constraints. The model allows
calculation of these performance characteristics based on actual
experimental colorimetric and optical characteristics of
nanophosphor components and mixtures. In turn, this model is used
to aid the design and fabrication of optimal nanocomposite SSWL
devices.
[0111] The simulation program incorporates an algorithm to
determine the optimum spectral emission characteristics of
nanocrystal component mixtures for simultaneous maximization of
color rendering, color temperature and overall efficacy for
production of white light. The approach provides a
super-convergent, random search, optimization algorithm in the
phosphor parameter space. The program seeks a combination of
emission wavelengths that simultaneously maximizes luminous
efficacy, color rendering (CRI) and color temperature (CCT),
subject to the white-light chromaticity constrains calculated using
standard CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage). The
measured nanocrystal quantum efficiency, peak wavelength and
emission spectral width are input parameters. Performance
boundaries, as for example, efficacy no less than 90%, or
CRI>90, can also be applied for flexibility in the design. The
number of required wavelengths (i.e., nanocrystal sizes) is a
variable that allows a determination of trade-offs between
performance and manufacturing cost.
[0112] A validation procedure with iteration cycles is adopted,
whereby mixtures of nanocrystal components, of size, composition
peak maximum, peak widths, mixture abundance, and internal quantum
efficiency predicted by the simulation are manufactured. The
resulting values of CRI and CCT are determined experimentally and
compared with the predictions and adjustments are made as
appropriate. The luminous efficiency is determined based on optical
parameters including stoke shift efficiency, internal quantum
efficiency and photopic response.
[0113] The output of this procedure is the optimum number of
emission colors, the precise center wavelengths of each color, the
precise spectral width of each color and the exact relative
intensity of each and the corresponding concentration based on
excitation by, for example, a selected blue LED (about 460 nm).
[0114] The simulations described throughout can determine suitable
emission characteristics for the nanocrystal. In addition, it is
useful to (1) synthesize the materials with the prescribed spectral
characteristics and (2) use the materials to validate the model. To
achieve this objective, available solution phase synthetic
techniques are used to fabricate core/shell nanocrystal phosphors
and characterize mixtures as determined by the theoretical
model.
[0115] Based on current methods, nanocrystal batches are fabricated
with spectral characteristics generated by the theoretical model.
Each distinct wavelength is synthesized separately and combined to
produce the final mixture. Specific attention is paid to the center
wavelength and the peak-width of each sample. In particular, narrow
emission in the red avoids efficiency loss in the IR. In order to
accomplish this, a solution-phase mixture of nanocrystals is
produced and characterized that has the appropriate composition to
produce white light with CRI and CTT, matching that of the
theoretical model when illuminated with blue excitation and total
down-conversion efficiency comparable to that predicted by the
model, assuming zero loss to other mechanisms in the process. These
measurements can be made in the solution-phase using a standard
visible fluorometer and fluorescence standards with excitation
matching the blue-LED.
Nanocrystal Phosphors
[0116] While any method known to the ordinarily skilled artisan can
be used to create nanocrystal phosphors, suitably, a solution-phase
colloidal method for controlled growth of inorganic nanomaterial
phosphors is used. See Alivisatos, A. P., "Semiconductor clusters,
nanocrystals, and quantum dots," Science 271:933 (1996); X. Peng,
M. Schlamp, A. Kadavanich, A. P. Alivisatos, "Epitaxial growth of
highly luminescent CdSe/CdS Core/Shell nanocrystals with
photostability and electronic accessibility," J. Am. Chem. Soc.
30:7019-7029 (1997); and C. B. Murray, D. J. Norris, M. G. Bawendi,
"Synthesis and characterization of nearly monodisperse CdE
(E=sulfur, selenium, tellurium) semiconductor nanocrystallites," J.
Am. Chem. Soc. 115:8706 (1993). This manufacturing process
technology leverages low cost processability without the need for
clean rooms and expensive manufacturing equipment. In these
methods, metal precursors that undergo pyrolysis at high
temperature are rapidly injected into a hot solution of organic
surfactant molecules. These precursors break apart at elevated
temperatures and react to nucleate nanocrystals. After this initial
nucleation phase, a growth phase begins by the addition of monomers
to the growing crystal. The result is freestanding crystalline
nanoparticles in solution that have an organic surfactant molecule
coating their surface.
[0117] Utilizing this approach, synthesis occurs as an initial
nucleation event that takes place over seconds, followed by crystal
growth at elevated temperature for several minutes. Parameters such
as the temperature, types of surfactants present, precursor
materials, and ratios of surfactants to monomers can be modified so
as to change the nature and progress of the reaction. The
temperature controls the structural phase of the nucleation event,
rate of decomposition of precursors, and rate of growth. The
organic surfactant molecules mediate both solubility and control of
the nanocrystal shape. The ratio of surfactants to monomer,
surfactants to each other, monomers to each other, and the
individual concentrations of monomers strongly influence the
kinetics of growth.
[0118] In suitable embodiments, CdSe is used as the nanocrystal
material, in one example, for visible light down-conversion, due to
the relative maturity of the synthesis of this material. Due to the
use of a generic surface chemistry, it is also possible to
substitute non-cadmium-containing nanocrystals.
Core/Shell Nanocrystals
[0119] In semiconductor nanocrystals, photo-induced emission arises
from the band edge states of the nanocrystal. The band-edge
emission from nanocrystals competes with radiative and
non-radiative decay channels originating from surface electronic
states. X. Peng, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 30:7019-7029 (1997). As
a result, the presence of surface defects such as dangling bonds
provide non-radiative recombination centers and contribute to
lowered emission efficiency. An efficient and permanent method to
passivate and remove the surface trap states is to epitaxially grow
an inorganic shell material on the surface of the nanocrystal. X.
Peng, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 30:7019-7029 (1997). The shell
material can be chosen such that the electronic levels are type I
with respect to the core material (e.g., with a larger bandgap to
provide a potential step localizing the electron and hole to the
core). As a result, the probability of non-radiative recombination
can be reduced.
[0120] Core-shell structures are obtained by adding organometallic
precursors containing the shell materials to a reaction mixture
containing the core nanocrystal. In this case, rather than a
nucleation-event followed by growth, the cores act as the nuclei,
and the shells grow from their surface. The temperature of the
reaction is kept low to favor the addition of shell material
monomers to the core surface, while preventing independent
nucleation of nanocrystals of the shell materials. Surfactants in
the reaction mixture are present to direct the controlled growth of
shell material and ensure solubility. A uniform and epitaxially
grown shell is obtained when there is a low lattice mismatch
between the two materials. Additionally, the spherical shape acts
to minimize interfacial strain energy from the large radius of
curvature, thereby preventing the formation of dislocations that
could degrade the optical properties of the nanocrystal system.
[0121] In suitable embodiments, ZnS can be used as the shell
material using known synthetic processes, resulting in a
high-quality emission. As above, if necessary, this material can be
easily substituted if the core material is modified.
Optical Properties of Core-Shell Nanocrystals
[0122] Due to the finite size of the core-shell nanocrystals, they
display unique optical properties compared to their bulk
counterparts. The emission spectrum is defined by a single Gaussian
peak, which arises from the band-edge luminescence. The emission
peak location is determined by the core particle size as a direct
result of quantum confinement effects. For instance, by adjusting
the particle diameter in the range of 2 nm and 15 nm, the emission
can be precisely tuned over the entire visible spectrum (FIG. 1).
FIG. 1 represents the absorption and emission peaks for
nanocrystals of increasing size (2 nm to 15 nm). The initial peak
(lower wavelength) indicates the absorption wavelength and the
later peak (higher wavelength) the emission wavelength in nm. With
increasing size of the nanocrystals, the absorption and emission
peak wavelengths shift from about 450 nm to about 700 nm, and can
be tuned over this range. The vertical shaded bars on FIG. 1
indicate visible light wavelengths in the blue 100, green 102 and
red 104 ranges.
[0123] The width of the emission peak is determined by the size
distribution of the sample. Peak widths down to 20 nm full width at
half maximum (FWHM) can be achieved. Conversely, the absorption
spectrum of nanocrystals is very broad and intense, as typical of
the bulk material, which is characteristically different than
organic phosphors. Absorption coefficients are in excess of
55,000/cm (in the blue range of the spectrum) over the entire range
of crystal sizes. In addition, core-shell nanocrystals can be made
with quantum efficiencies as high as 90% (this does not take into
account energy loss due to Stokes shift, but is simply the ratio of
photons-out to photons-in).
[0124] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an
engineerable down-converting system (see FIG. 2). Systems according
to the present invention can comprise a nanocomposite
down-converting layer that can be coated directly onto an LED wafer
prior to dicing and packaging, eliminating the need for
heterogeneous integration of the phosphor layer during packaging.
The nanocomposite down-converting layer is suitably engineered from
three components, including: (1) Semiconductor nanocrystal
phosphors of one or more, suitably two or more, sizes tuned to emit
at the required wavelength(s) and with the required spectral
characteristics to optimize the color rendering index (CRI) and
power conversion efficiency in the final device; (2) A host matrix
(e.g., a polymer) selected for high index of refraction (generally
about 1.5 or greater), low UV degradation and matched thermal
expansion to the LED chip; and, (3) A unique nanocrystal surface
chemistry that acts as the interface between the nanocrystals and
the host matrix, allowing each element to be independently selected
and tailored without impacting the other component. As shown in
FIG. 2, such a down-converting nanocomposite phosphor layer 208
will take the place of phosphor 200 and phosphor encapsulant layer
206.
[0125] By independently selecting and tuning each of these three
components, it is possible to simultaneously: (1) engineer a
specific composite emission spectrum that can be tailored to
optimize between CRI and down-conversion efficiency; (2) refractive
index match the composite layer to the LED chip to reduce
light-extraction losses prior to down conversion; (3) reduce
scattering in the down-conversion layer, thereby minimizing
light-extraction losses from the phosphor layer; (4) produce
down-conversion with a quantum efficiency greater than about 20%
(e.g., 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) at any wavelength with simultaneous and
efficient absorption of light (about 300 nm) (depending upon size
and composition of the nanoparticles); and (5) minimize loss of
efficiency due to photons emitted into the near-infra-red (near-IR)
through the use of extremely sharp emission spectra in red light
wavelengths (about 20 nm FWHM). This approach makes it possible to
achieve overall power-conversion efficiencies greater than 200
lm/W, with CRI greater than 80, and overall chip brightness of
greater than 100 Watts/chip at a cost of less than one U.S.
dollar/klm.
TABLE-US-00001 Nanocomposite System Features Benefit to SSWL High
quantum efficiency (as high No loss of photons upon down as 90%)
conversion resulting in 2-fold increase in overall power-
conversion efficiency over traditional phosphors. Continuous,
tunable emission The emission peak wavelength and spectrum width
can be precisely tuned so mixtures of different sized nanocrystals
can be formed with precise emission characteristics to achieve
maximum emission efficiency, CRI, CTT. Narrow and Sharp Emission
Sharp emission allows tailoring of emitted light at wavelengths
where the luminous efficiency of photopic vision of the eye is
high. High photo- and chemical stability Nanocrystals are not
susceptible to bleaching effects and environmental sensitivities
(UV, moisture, oxygen) as traditional organic phosphors offering
long operating lifetimes. Mixtures of nanocrystals in host Mixtures
of nanocrystals can be matrix embedded in a host matrix of
virtually any material at high- loading densities (e.g., 20% by
volume) with precise control over relative concentration ratios
through modification of surface chemistry. Non-scattering
composites Due to the small particle size and capability to make
homogenous dispersion of the nanocrystals, optical scattering as
well as parasitic absorption can be minimized or eliminated to
improve light extraction efficiency and hence the device luminous
efficiency. Tunable refractive index By selecting the proper host
matrix material and tailoring the loading density, the index of
refraction of the nanocomposite layer can be precisely tuned from
about 1.5 to about 2.5 to minimize or even eliminate total internal
reflection at the LED-nanocomposite interface, potentially
increasing overall power conversion efficiency. Loading density and
thickness can be traded- off to simultaneously optimize index of
refraction and optical density of the composite layer while
maintaining film thicknesses. High absorption coefficients (as At a
high loading density, the high as 55,000/cm) nanocomposite
down-conversion layer can be on the order of a single micron in
thickness. This allows direct incorporation at the wafer- level
using traditional thin film processing, dramatically reducing
overall manufacturing costs for SSWL relative to thick-film
phosphor layers that are incorporated at the package level.
[0126] FIG. 3 illustrates the emission range of the down-converting
nanocomposites of the present invention, in the red region of a
2-color phosphor mix, compared to that resulting from traditional
inorganic phosphors for white. Emission peaks 302 and 304 represent
the emission spectra of a 2-color phosphor mix according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Spectrum 306 represents the
emission spectrum of traditional inorganic phosphors. Not only does
the narrow emission prevent photon waste at the edges of the
visible spectrum by the eye, but it also allows a superior
optimization of color rendering index and power conversion
efficiency. Wasted light region 308 demonstrates light emitted from
traditional inorganic phosphors at the edges of the visible
spectrum that is cut out by using the sharp emission peak 304.
[0127] FIG. 4 illustrates the concept of fine-tuning the emission
by using more than three emission colors, each with a specific,
narrow, emission peak, to generate an overall emission spectrum
with a superior color rendering index that can be as high as 100
for any color temperature. Between the two extremes of extremely
broad emission and extremely narrow emission, however, is a balance
between efficiency and CRI. The exact number of colors, center
wavelengths, relative concentrations and spectral widths can be
determined theoretically to optimize both parameters
simultaneously.
[0128] By using standard thin-film and lithographic processing
techniques, as shown in FIG. 5, green 500 and red 502
down-conversion layers can be patterned across LED chips 204 prior
to dicing. This allows low-cost fabrication of 3-color emitting
LEDs integrated into a single die, such that a single chip can be
used to dynamically tune emission of the LED from monochromatic to
white for any color temperature. As such, the present invention
provides formation of an integrated chip-level 3-color mixing-based
SSWL for all lighting applications, at a cost point competitive
with traditional lighting, but with far superior efficiency,
performance and color engineering capability.
[0129] Suitable matrixes for use in all embodiments of the present
invention include polymers and organic and inorganic oxides.
Suitable polymers for use in the matrixes of the present invention
include any polymer known to the ordinarily skilled artisan that
can be used for such a purpose. In suitable embodiments, the
polymer will be substantially translucent or substantially
transparent. Such polymers include, but are not limited to,
poly(vinyl butyral):poly(vinyl acetate), silicone and derivatives
of silicone, including, but not limited to,
polyphenylmethylsiloxane, polyphenylalkylsiloxane,
polydiphenylsiloxane, polydialkylsiloxane, fluorinated silicones
and vinyl and hydride substituted silicones.
[0130] The nanocrystals used the present invention can be embedded
in a polymeric (or other suitable material, e.g., waxes, oils)
matrix using any suitable method, for example, mixing the
nanocrystals in a polymer and casting a film, mixing the
nanocrystals with monomers and polymerizing them together, mixing
the nanocrystals in a sol-gel to form an oxide, or any other method
known to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the term
"embedded" is used to indicate that the nanocrystals are enclosed
within the polymer that makes up the majority component of the
matrix.
[0131] The thickness of the layers of the present invention can be
controlled by any method known in the art, such as spin coating and
screen printing. Such methods are especially useful when coating
optical devices such as lenses or mirrors with the polymeric
layers. While the various polymeric layers of the present invention
can be any thickness required, suitably, the layers will be less
than about 100 mm in thickness, and down to on the order of less
than about 1 mm in thickness. In other embodiments, the polymeric
layers of the present invention can be on the order of 10's to
100's of microns in thickness. In one embodiment, the present
invention provides nanocrystal doped layers that are greater than
about 0.5 mm in thickness, and suitably will scatter only a minimal
portion of light that enters the layer (see later for a discussion
of scattering). In other embodiments, the layers will be between
about 0.5 mm and about 50 mm in thickness. In all embodiments of
the present invention, the nanocrystals can be embedded in the
various matrixes at any loading ratio that is appropriate for the
desired function. Suitably, the nanocrystals will be loaded at a
ratio of between about 0.001% and about 75% by volume depending
upon the application, matrix and type of nanocrystals used. The
appropriate loading ratios can readily be determined by the
ordinarily skilled artisan and are described herein further with
regard to specific applications.
II. Photon-Filtering Nanocomposites
[0132] In another embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers comprising a polymer and nanocrystals embedded
within the polymer, such that the layers act as photon-filtering
nanocomposites. Suitably, the nanocrystals will be prepared from
semiconductor materials, but any suitable material described
throughout can be used to prepare the nanocrystals. In certain
embodiments, the nanocrystals will have a size and a composition
such that the nanocrystals absorb light of a particular wavelength
or over a range of wavelengths. As such, the nanocrystals utilized
in these embodiments are tailored such that their absorption
characteristics are enhanced or maximized, while their emission
characteristics are minimized, i.e. they will absorb light in a
highly efficient manner, but suitably will emit only a very low
level, or preferably no light. In other embodiments, however, the
photon-filtering nanocomposites can also comprise nanocrystals that
have high emission properties and emit light at a particular
wavelength as discussed throughout. As such, the present invention
provides nanocomposites that comprise different types of
nanocrystals such that the nanocomposites exhibit several, or all,
of the properties discussed throughout, in a layer.
[0133] A photon-filtering nanocomposite in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a
cross-sectional view of a polymeric layer 600 showing nanocrystals
604 embedded in polymer 602. Note that nanocrystals 604 are not to
scale and are visibly represented for illustrative purposes only.
The polymeric layers and nanocomposites of the present invention
can also comprise nanocrystals of different sizes and compositions
within the same layer.
[0134] In suitable embodiments, the nanocrystals can be distributed
homogenously throughout the polymeric layer and nanocomposites (see
FIG. 6). In other embodiments, the nanocrystals can be randomly
distributed. In further embodiments, the nanocrystals can be
distributed throughout the layer such that they form a nanocrystal
density gradient throughout the layer (as discussed further in the
refractive index section below). Such an embodiment is represented
in FIG. 7, which shows a cross-sectional view of a polymeric layer
700 with nanocrystals 604 embedded in polymer 602 in such a way
that they form a nanocrystal density gradient from high density
(lower portion of FIG. 7) to low density (upper portion of FIG. 7)
within polymer 602.
[0135] The photon-filtering polymeric layers and nanocomposites of
the present invention can be used to coat, encapsulate, cover, be
deposited on (or any other similar arrangement known to those
skilled in the art) any substrate material. Suitably, the polymeric
layers of the present invention can be used to coat optical
devices. In other embodiment, the polymeric layers can be used to
encapsulate active devices.
[0136] In embodiments of the present invention where the
photon-filtering polymeric layers are used to coat optical devices,
such optical devices can be refractive (e.g., lenses) or reflective
(e.g., mirrors). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an optical
device 802 coated with polymer 602 comprising nanocrystals 604.
Coated optical devices 800 according to such an embodiment can be
used in any application where a filter or anti-reflective coating
is desired on a refractive or reflective device.
[0137] In embodiments of the present invention where the
photon-filtering polymeric layers are used to encapsulate active
devices, such active devices can be any device known to the skilled
artisan. As used herein an "active device" is one that requires a
source of energy for its operation and has an output that is a
function of present and past input signals. Examples of active
devices include, but are not limited to, controlled power supplies,
transistors, diodes, including light emitting diodes (LEDs), light
detectors, amplifiers, transmitters and other semiconductor
devices.
[0138] By controlling the size and composition of the nanocrystals
used in the practice of the present invention, the nanocrystals
will absorb light of a particular wavelength, or a particular range
of wavelengths, while not scattering light. The ability to make
nanocrystals out of different semiconductors, and control their
size, allows for polymeric layers to be fabricated with
nanocrystals that will absorb light from the UV, to visible, to
near infrared (NIR), to infrared (IR) wavelengths. Nanocrystals for
use in the present invention will suitably be less than about 100
nm in size, and down to less than about 2 nm in size. In suitable
embodiments, the nanocrystals of the present invention absorb
visible light. As used herein, visible light is electromagnetic
radiation with wavelengths between about 380 and about 780
nanometers that is visible to the human eye. Visible light can be
separated into the various colors of the spectrum, such as red,
orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The
photon-filtering nanocomposites of the present invention can be
constructed so as to absorb light that makes up any one or more of
these colors. For example, the nanocomposites of the present
invention can be constructed so as to absorb blue light, red light,
or green light, combinations of such colors, or any colors in
between. As used herein, blue light comprises light between about
435 nm and about 500 nm, green light comprises light between about
520 nm and 565 nm and red light comprises light between about 625
nm and about 740 nm in wavelength. The ordinarily skilled artisan
will be able to construct nanocomposites that can filter any
combination of these wavelengths, or wavelengths between these
colors, and such nanocomposites are embodied by the present
invention.
[0139] Polymeric layers that comprise nanocrystals that can absorb
light of a particular wavelength, or range of wavelengths, will act
as edge pass filters, absorbing light that is less than a certain
wavelength. For example, the photon-filtering nanocomposites can be
constructed so as to absorb light that is less than about 565 nm
(e.g., blue and green) and allowing wavelengths of light that are
longer than about 565 nm (e.g., red) to pass through the polymeric
layer.
[0140] In other embodiments, the nanocrystals have a size and a
composition such that they absorb photons that are in the
ultraviolet, near-infrared, and/or infrared spectra. As used
herein, the ultraviolet spectrum comprises light between about 100
nm to about 400 nm, the near-infrared spectrum comprises light
between about 750 nm to about 100 .mu.m in wavelength and the
infrared spectrum comprises light between about 750 nm to about 300
.mu.m in wavelength.
[0141] While nanocrystals of any suitable material can be used in
the practice of the present invention, in certain embodiments, the
nanocrystals can be ZnS, InAs or CdSe nanocrystals. In one
embodiment, InAs nanocrystals (with a 1340 nm absorption peak) with
TOP (tri-n-octylphosphine) ligands attached to their surface can be
dissolved in a solvent such as toluene. Poly(vinyl
butyral):poly(vinyl acetate) (PVB:PVA) polymer can also be
dissolved in toluene and the two solutions can be mixed together. A
substrate can then be coated or encapsulated with the mixture and
the toluene evaporated off. A thin film results that is
non-light-scattering due to the size of the non-aggregated
nanocrystals. Polymeric layers produced in such a manner will have
an effective refractive index between that of either material by
itself (i.e., the polymer or the nanocrystal material), which can
be adjusted by modifying the loading ratio of the nanocrystals and
the density of the nanocrystals at various points in the polymeric
layer (see Refractive Index section for additional disclosure). A
polymeric layer comprising such nanocrystals can act as an
antireflective filter, absorbing light that is less than about 1340
nm in wavelength.
[0142] In another embodiment of the present invention, CdSe
nanocrystals (having an absorption peak at about 580 nm) with
stearic acid ligands can be dissolved in a solvent such as toluene.
In other embodiments, ZnS nanocrystals with amine, carboxylic acid,
phosphoric acid, phosphonate, phosphine, phosphine oxide or sulfur
ligands can be dissolved in a solvent. In the case of CdSe
nanocrystals, a ligand exchange can then be performed in solution
with a siloxane ligand and excess ligand can be removed.
Nanocrystals can then be mixed with a polymer base, such as
silicone, and a substrate material can then be coated or
encapsulated. After curing, the film will have an effective
refractive index between that of the polymer (e.g., silicone) and
the nanocrystals, which can be adjusted by changing the loading
ratio of the nanocrystals in the silicone. Such a polymeric layer
will act as a filter absorbing light that is less than about 580 nm
in wavelength (i.e., blue, green, yellow, orange, violet, UV
light).
III. Refractive Index Matching Nanocomposites
[0143] Poor extraction caused by total internal light reflection
due to index of refraction mismatches at interfaces is a problem
for light emitting devices, including LEDs. It is well known that
light impinging an interface between materials of index n and
n'<n, at an angle .theta. relative to the vertical will be
totally reflected, if sin .theta.>sin .theta.c=n'/n. For a
direct extraction from GaN with n=2.26 into air n'=1, this limits
the extraction cone within a solid angle .DELTA..OMEGA.=2.pi.(1-cos
.theta.c), where .theta.c is the critical extraction angle,
.theta.c=26.degree., being just 10% of the total extraction angle
2.pi. (upper half only). In the encapsulation arrangement shown in
FIG. 2, overall light extraction relates to: (a) extraction from
substrate 202 to phosphor encapsulant layer 206; and (b) from
phosphor encapsulant layer 206 to air. The radius of the
encapsulant layer is much larger than the emitting area (e.g., cm
vs. mm) thus light rays inside the encapsulant layer that reach out
in the radial direction impinge almost perpendicular to the
encapsulant layer surface .theta.<<.theta.c and are
extracted. Thus the overall extraction is mainly limited by
extraction from the substrate to the phosphor plane interface,
taking advantage of the higher phosphor critical angle, due to the
higher than air index of refraction.
[0144] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the present invention
provides nanocomposite layers 208, that can bond to LED substrate
202, that have an effective refraction index of greater than 1.5.
In suitable embodiments, by increasing the substrate effective
refractive index to 1.8, an angle of .theta.c=68.degree. is
generated and the extraction efficiency is doubled to 63%. In
another embodiment, the present invention provides nanocomposites
combining nanocrystals with a refractive index of about 2.0 to
about 3 with host matrix materials, including polymers (e.g.,
TiO.sub.2 with an effective refractive index 1.5 to 2, or silicone
with a refractive index of about 1.49), to generate a nanocomposite
material with an effective refractive index of about 2, with a
critical extraction angle of about .theta.c=77.degree., thereby
increasing the extraction efficiency to 78%. In further
embodiments, a matched-index passive layer (e.g., a hard shell
polymer) can be added above the phosphor layer to take advantage of
the radial incidence, thereby enhancing extraction from the
phosphor layer into the air.
[0145] As used herein, the term "effective refractive index
(n.sub.e)" is used to indicate that the polymeric layers of the
present invention are composite materials, and thus, their
effective refractive index is a result of the refractive index of
all components of the layer. The term refractive index as used
herein indicates the degree to which the nanocomposites of the
invention bend light. The refractive index of the nanocomposites
can be determined by the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum
divided by the speed of light in the nanocomposites.
[0146] The polymeric layers of the present invention, whether
down-converting, photon-filtering, or refractive index matching,
have an effective refractive index that can be controlled by the
ratio, density, composition and size of the nanocrystals embedded
within the matrix. FIG. 9 shows the effect of loading ratio of ZnS
nanocrystals (n=2.35) on the effective refractive index of various
materials. For all matrixes, the effective refractive index
increases linearly with the loading ratio (%) up to the refractive
index of the pure ZnS nanocrystals. FIG. 10 shows the effective
refractive index of a silicone nanocomposite comprising 3 nm ZnS
nanocrystals at 30% by volume as a function of wavelength. An
effective refractive index of greater than about 1.77 is observed
for all wavelengths from 300 nm to 700 nm.
[0147] Control and tailoring of the effective refractive index
allows the matrixes of the present invention to be utilized in
applications where a layer having either a uniform or varying
effective refractive index may be desired, for example as polymeric
layers encapsulating LEDs. In such applications, a polymeric layer
is used to encapsulate the light emitting diode chip of an LED to
provide protection to the chip. As discussed above, due to
refractive index (n) differences between the high n of the LED chip
and the generally low n of the polymeric encapsulant, large amounts
of light are lost due to light reflecting at the chip/polymer
interface. The present invention therefore provides for a polymeric
layer that has a refractive index higher than pure polymer that can
approach or match the refractive index of the LED chip, thereby
limiting the light lost at the chip/polymer interface. Such an
embodiment is represented in FIG. 11, showing a cross-sectional
view of an encapsulated light emitting diode 1100, in which polymer
602 comprising embedded nanocrystals 604 encapsulates LED chip
1106. Any active device, including those discussed throughout, can
be encapsulated in a similar manner. Furthermore, FIGS. 11 and 12
showing specific LED structures are presented for illustrative
purposes only, and any LED structure known to those skilled in the
art can be similarly encapsulated.
[0148] The effective refractive index of the polymeric layer can be
any value between that of the pure matrix material (e.g., silicone
at about 1.49, TiO.sub.2 at about 1.5) and the nanocrystals
themselves (e.g., up to about 3). Suitably, the effective
refractive index of the matrix will be greater than about 1.5,
preferably between about 1.5 and about 2.5, and in certain
embodiments the refractive index of the matrix will be about
1.8.
[0149] In other embodiments, in order to add further stability to
an LED structure, a second polymeric layer can be added on top of
the first layer. Often, this second layer will be a "hard-shell"
polymer and will have a refractive index that is lower than the LED
chip. Thus, if the refractive index of the first polymeric layer is
matched to the refractive index of the LED chip, reflections will
occur at the first polymeric layer/hard shell polymer interface. In
order to overcome this problem, in another embodiment, the present
invention provides for a polymeric layer or polymeric encapsulant
which has a density gradient of nanocrystals such that the
effective refractive index of the polymeric layer matches both the
chip and the hard shell polymer at their respective interfaces.
[0150] In one such embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers that encapsulate an active device that has an
effective refractive index, n.sub.1. The layer comprises a polymer
and semiconductor nanocrystals embedded within the polymer, and has
an inner boundary in contact with the active device and an outer
boundary in contact with a medium that has an effective refractive
index, n.sub.2. The layer has an effective refractive index less
than or equal to n.sub.1 at the inner boundary and an effective
refractive index greater than or equal to n.sub.2 at the outer
boundary. Suitably, the active device will be an LED, though any
active device, including those described throughout, can be
encapsulated. In suitable embodiments, n.sub.1 will be greater than
n.sub.2.
[0151] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an LED encapsulated
in such a polymeric layer. Encapsulated LED 1200 comprises
polymeric layer 602 comprising embedded nanocrystals 604
encapsulating LED chip 1106. Hard shell polymer 1202 further coats
polymeric layer 602 to provide additional structural integrity and
protection to the LED. FIG. 12 illustrates the nanocrystal density
gradient throughout the thickness of polymeric layer 602, this
gradient being highest at the boundary with LED chip 1106 and
lowest at the boundary with hard shell polymer 1202. In such
embodiments, the effective refractive index is n.sub.1 at the
boundary with LED chip 1106 and the effective refractive index is
n.sub.2 at the boundary with hard shell polymer 1202. In certain
embodiments, this nanocrystal density gradient will be
substantially linear throughout the polymeric layer, though it can
take any form throughout the thickness of the layer, e.g., cyclic,
parabolic, etc. Suitably, the effective refractive index of
polymeric layer 602 will be greater than about 1.5 throughout the
layer, and in certain embodiments will be about 1.8 (n.sub.1) at
the interface with LED chip 1106 and about 1.5 (n.sub.2) at the
interface with hard shell polymer 1202.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 13, light emitting diodes often utilize LED
chip 1106 covered by a drop or layer of silicone 1300 usually a few
millimeters in diameter. As discussed throughout, by replacing the
silicone cap in FIG. 13 with nanocrystal doped matrixes with
enhanced refractive indexes, more light can be extracted from LED
chip 1106. However, two issues may arise by doing so: (1) the
amount of nanocrystals required for a doped matrix a few
millimeters think for each LED translates to rather large
quantities of nanocrystals for mass production, thereby driving up
the cost; and (2) the scattering from the nanocrystals throughout a
think layer may make the matrix opaque for a path-length of a few
millimeters.
[0153] To resolve these issues, in another embodiment (see FIG.
14), the present invention provides for a thin film of
nanocomposite 1402 formed on the surface of an LED chip 1106, this
thin film is then further capped with small hemispheres 1404 of the
same nanocomposite. All of the light that enters the nanocomposite
hits the composite/air interface at 90.degree. and therefore does
not suffer from any internal reflection. The thickness of the film
and the diameter of the small caps can be chosen to satisfy the
thermal compliance and other mechanical/thermal requirements. The
thickness, t, of the film, and the diameter, d, of the small
hemispheres, can be in the range of 10's-100's of nms to microns to
millimeters. Suitably, the thickness of the layer will be on the
order of 10's of microns, for example about 10-50 microns. The
diameter of the hemispheres is generally on the order of
microns.
[0154] In other embodiments of the present invention, the small
hemispheres 1404 of nanocomposite can be further capped with a
large hemisphere of silicone 1302, as illustrated in FIG. 15. In
this case, the refractive index of the large hemisphere of silicone
is not required for light extraction. The critical angle is only
determined by the refractive index of the LED chip 1106, n1, and
that of the nanocrystal doped matrix (1402 and 1404), n3 as:
.theta. critical = sin - 1 n 1 n 3 . ##EQU00001##
[0155] Preparation of nanocomposite films and hemispheres in this
manner allows for the use of larger sized nanocrystals in
comparison to those that can be used in conjunction with thicker
pathlength films. For example, nanocrystals on the order of 5-7 nm
could be used with the thin film/hemisphere embodiments of the
present invention, while nanocrystals on the order of about 3-5 nm
could be required for thicker pathlength nanocomposites.
[0156] As discussed throughout, the nanocrystals useful in the
practice of the present invention can have a composition and a size
such that they absorb light at a particular wavelength(s) and emit
at a particular wavelength(s). In certain embodiments, the
polymeric layers of the present invention can comprise combinations
of nanocrystals that function in the various ways described herein.
For example, a nanocomposite of the present invention can comprise
nanocrystals having specific, enhanced emission properties, others
having specific, enhanced absorption properties but low emission
properties, and the entire nanocomposite can be constructed such
that the layer has a specific refractive index that is matched or
tailored for a specific purpose. Combined in such a way, the
polymeric layers of the present invention can be used as
encapsulants for active devices (e.g., LEDs) that emit light of a
certain wavelength, filter out other wavelengths and have a
refractive index appropriately matched to an active device and/or
an additional substrate or coating.
IV. Size and Miscibility of Nanocrystals
[0157] In all embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable
that the nanocrystals do not aggregate. That is, that they remain
separate from each other in the polymeric layer and do not coalesce
with one another to form larger aggregates. This is important, as
individual crystals will not scatter light passing through the
layer, while larger aggregated structures can create an opaque
layer that can hinder the passage of light.
[0158] Suitably, whether functioning as down-converting layers,
photon-filtering layers, refractive index matching layers, or
combinations thereof, the nanocomposites of the present invention
will scatter a minimal portion of light that enters the various
layers. It is desirable that the nanocomposites of the present
invention scatter as little light as possible, such that the layers
are substantially transparent or clear.
[0159] As used herein, the phrase "scatter a minimal portion of
light," means that the amount of light that enters the various
nanocomposites of the invention from the incident side (the side
that light is entering) is transmitted such that less than about
50% of this incident light is scattered by the nanocomposite. In
suitable embodiments, the amount of light that is scattered by the
nanocomposite will be less than about 20%, less than about 15%, and
approaching 0% of the light being transmitted. The factors that
impact most significantly on the amount of light that is scattered
by the nanocomposites are the size of the nanocrystals and their
miscibility in the polymeric matrix, and hence their ability to
remain separated. It should be understood that in applications of
the present invention where the nanocomposites function as filters,
the amount of light that is transmitted through the polymeric layer
will necessarily be reduced as certain wavelengths or ranges of
wavelengths will absorbed by the nanocrystals and filtered out of
the incident light.
[0160] As discussed above, the size of the nanocrystals can be
tailored by selecting specific semiconductor materials and then
generating and processing the nanocrystals until the desired size
is attained. In the various embodiments of the present invention,
the nanocrystals will suitably be between about 1 nm and about 20
nm in size. More suitably, between about 1 nm and about 10 nm,
between about 1 nm and about 4 nm and most suitably between about 1
nm and about 3 nm. As shown in FIG. 16, using a constant loading
volume of ZnS nanocrystals (22% by volume) in silicone, the percent
transmittance of light can be tailored from between about 5% to
about 100% (i.e. percent that is scattered can be tailored from
between about 95% to about 0%). It is a significant advantage of
the present invention that by generating nanocrystals that are
between about 1 nm to about 4 nm, less than about 50% of the
incident light is scattered by the nanocomposites of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 16, by creating nanocrystals that are
between about 1 nm and about 3 nm, scattering of less than 20%,
approaching 15%, 10%, 5% and 0%, can be achieved. As demonstrated
in FIG. 17, a silicone nanocomposite, comprising 3 nm ZnS
nanocrystals and a layer with a 3 mm pathlength will scatter less
than about 50% (i.e. transmit more than about 50%) of the incident
light over the wavelength range 350 nm to 700 nm, scatter less than
about 30% over the wavelength range 400 nm to 700 nm and scatter
less than about 15% over the wavelength range 500 nm to 700 nm.
Controlled Surface Chemistry for High Loading Density
Nanocomposites
[0161] In the formation of the nanocomposites of the present
invention, two critical issues are: (1) achieving high miscibility
of the nanocrystals in the host matrix, and (2) prevention of
aggregation of the nanocrystals at a high concentration.
Aggregation results in quenching of the emission, hence a lowering
of the amount of light transmitted, as well as light scattering
from the aggregates. Tuning the index of refraction of the overall
composite layer also occurs at different nanocrystals loading
densities. Since the nanocrystals have a refractive index of about
2.5 to about 3 and the host matrix is about 1.5 to about 2,
matching of the refractive index of the LED substrate (typically
sapphire or SiC) will eliminate an optical interface and losses
from total internal reflection.
[0162] As part of this approach, several issues are addressed,
including determination of whether the necessary loading densities
in the nanocomposites as determined by simulations are achieved;
whether the nanocrystals are homogenously embedded in the host
matrix with no (or minimized) aggregation or phase separation so
that a high quantum yield is retained and scattering is prevented;
whether the index of refraction of the composite layer can be tuned
by adjusting the loading density (e.g., gradient) of nanocrystals
in the host matrix; whether refractive indices close to the LED
substrate are achieved and what the projected effect on the light
extraction efficiency is; and at the nanocrystal loading density
for refractive index matching, what is the layer thickness of the
composite layer necessary to reach an optical density at the
excitation wavelength to yield the optimized emission profile
determined by the simulations. It can also be determined whether
this thickness is compatible with low cost, thin film processing
(e.g., thicknesses <1-2 microns).
[0163] In order to accomplish this, a tailored,
miscibility-enhancing ligand can be designed to bind, associate,
coordinate, attach or conjugate to a nanocrystal, and to allow for
controlled mixing and miscibility in the host matrix. The
performance characteristics, including quantifying the effects on
the internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency are
measured on nanocomposites of various loading densities and
thicknesses.
Surface Chemistry Modification
[0164] Dispersion of nanocrystals in a host matrix can be
controlled by minimizing phase separation and aggregation that can
occur when mixing the nanocrystals into the matrixes. A basic
strategy of the present invention is to design a novel 3-part
ligand, in which the head-group, tail-group and middle/body-group
can each be independently fabricated and optimized for their
particular function, and then combined into an ideally functioning
complete surface ligand (see FIG. 18; see FIG. 19 for an example
ligand). As shown in FIG. 18, head group 1804 is selected to bind
specifically to the semiconductor or other material of the
nanocrystal (e.g., can be tailored and optimized for CdSe, ZnS, a
metal, or any other nanocrystal material). Tail group 1800 is
designed to interact strongly with the matrix material and be
miscible in the solvent utilized (and can, optionally, contain a
linker group to the host matrix) to allow maximum miscibility and
loading density in the host matrix without nanocrystal aggregation.
Middle or body group 1802 is selected for specific electronic
functionality (e.g., charge isolation).
[0165] This multipart ligand strategy has been used for the
fabrication of high loading density, non-fluorescent, polymer-CdSe
nanorod composites in the development of hybrid inorganic-organic
nanocomposite solar cells. In certain embodiments of the present
invention, significant modifications to the ligand are made due to
differences in the two applications. Specifically, the ligand is
designed to be charge insulating (rather than charge conducting)
and to provide retention of nanocrystal photoluminescence as well
as to be compatible with a completely different matrix type
(inorganic rather than organic polymers) and nanocrystal material
type and shape.
[0166] With the development of the 3-part ligand, control of the
loading density of the nanocrystals in the nanocomposite can be
achieved for purposes of creating the nanoparticle density
gradients as described. This permits evaluation of the influence of
quantum yield and optical scattering in the nanocomposite.
Additionally, tuning of the refractive index of the nanocomposite
is possible since the index of refraction of the host matrix is
known.
[0167] A benefit of this modular approach is the ability to rapidly
evaluate new tail, head, and middle/body groups. In the area of
head groups (binding with the nanocrystal), there are available
methods developed for the development of CdSe synthetic techniques.
This includes an understanding of the binding of nanocrystals with
phosphonic acids, amines, thiols, phosphines, and phosphine
oxides.
[0168] A tailored ligand can be optionally designed to bind
strongly to the nanocrystal and to allow for mixing in a TiO.sub.2
host medium. The new ligand allows for dispersion control
(solubility and processability) to facilitate incorporation of the
nanocrystals into solvents or host matrixes over a wide range of
loading densities as necessary to achieve the optimal white light
device performance characteristics and refractive index matching to
the blue-LED. Similarly, as other examples, ligands can be designed
to bind strongly to the nanocrystal and allow for mixing in a
silicone or hydrocarbon polymer.
Ligand Synthesis
[0169] The ligand molecule can be synthesized using a generalized
technique allowing three separate groups to be synthesized
separately and then combined. Head groups of phosphonic acid,
amines, carboxylic acids or thiol moieties can be used because of
their affinity for the nanocrystal surface. Tail groups can contain
terminal hydroxyl groups to tether the nanocrystal in a titania
sol-gel matrix, silicon groups to match a silicone polymer matrix,
or organic groups to match an organic matrix. The middle/body unit
is selected, e.g., for charge insulation (e.g., large energy gap
for both electrons and holes), and possible targets are optionally
identified using computer modeling. The modeling is performed using
a Density Functional Theory (DFT) to model the bandgap of various
target molecular structures for ligand design. The confirmation of
the chemical identity and purity will be done using mass
spectrometry, NMR and FTIR analysis, or similar techniques.
[0170] The insulating group (middle/body unit) of the ligands can
be selected from long-chain alkanes of various lengths and aromatic
hydrocarbons, e.g., C6-C22 alkanes. Selection of the length of the
body unit will depend on the desired characteristics of the final
matrix and of the polymeric base being used. For example, in
applications where it is desired that the matrix possess rheologic
or other properties (e.g., mechanical/electrical) similar to that
of the polymeric base substance, a shorter chain (e.g., C6-C18)
body unit can be selected. For example, the use of a C12 body
unit-based ligand on ZnS nanocrystals allows for increased loading
of the ZnS nanocrystals at a ratio sufficient to achieve a
refractive index of 1.7070 in a base of immersion oil (starting
refractive index 1.5180), while still maintaining the grease like
consistency of the oil. The use of shorter chain ligands allows for
a lower volume fraction of nanocrystals to be used to achieve the
same refractive index when compared to nanocrystals with longer
chain ligands.
[0171] In other applications, the use of longer chain ligands
(e.g., C18-C22) can be used when it is desired that the final
matrix possess properties closer to that of the ligand itself,
rather than the base material. In certain applications, the ligand
itself could be used to form the matrix material. Longer chain
ligands also allow for additional spacing between the nanocrystals
to keep them from aggregating in the base substrate.
[0172] FIG. 19 shows an example of a ligand with a phosphonic acid
head group 1900, an aliphatic tail 1902 and an aromatic hydrocarbon
body 1904. Appropriate choice of body and/or tail components are
used to provide like functionality to the matrix to afford high
concentrations of nanocrystals in siloxane polymer matrices.
Refractive index (RI) tuning/matching can also be affected by the
ligand. Independent tuning of the tail or body components of the
ligand to obtain a particular RI match with the polymer matrix can
be achieved by varying the ligand chemistry appropriately.
[0173] The general design "Head-Body-Tail" affords freedom from any
particular ensemble limitations. For example: a phosphonate head
group for nanocrystal binding, alkane body group for length
adjustment/nanocrystal spacing and dimethyl silicone tail for
silicone matrix compatibility can be synthesized as shown in FIG.
20b. An example of tuning the RI (increasing the value) can be
realized by incorporation of phenyl groups shown in FIG. 20a
(similar to silicone polymers (from vendor Gelest Inc., 612 William
Leigh Drive Tullytown, Pa. 19007-6308): DMS-H21 dimethylsiloxane
vs. HPM-502 phenyl-methylsiloxane, 1.403 and 1.500 refractive index
values, respectively) in the siloxane tail. FIG. 20a illustrates
several non-limiting example ligands with head-body-tail design.
Matrix compatibility adjustments such as branching siloxane units
can also be accommodated (FIG. 20b, molecule 3). Structure
verification by NMR of synthesized precursors 1 and 2 in FIG. 20h
is shown in FIGS. 20c-f.
[0174] FIG. 20g shows additional examples of ligands and synthesis
schemes in accordance with the present invention, including (from
top to bottom) the use of trisiloxane, cyclic tetrasiloxane and
branched siloxane tail groups in the generation of ligands.
Carboxylic acid functionalization of these silicone surfactants is
illustrated in FIG. 20g. Structure verification by NMR of a
carboxylated trisiloxane ligand shown in FIG. 20g (ligand at top of
page) is represented in FIGS. 20h-i.
[0175] It is worth noting that although the ligands can be
described in terms of three parts, head, body, and tail, they need
not be synthesized from these three units. As noted above, three
separate groups can be synthesized separately and then combined to
produce the ligand. Other synthesis routes are, however,
contemplated; for example, the head and body can be introduced into
the synthesis procedure on a single molecule, as illustrated in the
syntheses shown in FIGS. 20g, 20n, 25a-b, and 27.
[0176] FIGS. 20j and 20n show further examples and synthesis
schemes for the production of phosphonate functionalized silicone
ligands. Structure verification by NMR of the bromide precursor
shown in FIG. 20j is represented in FIG. 20k. FIGS. 20l and 20m
represent NMR verification of the structure of the phosphonate
ligand product.
[0177] Further examples of suitable ligands are presented below,
for example in Table 1, and additional synthesis schemes are shown
in FIGS. 25-31 and Examples 3-6 below.
[0178] Ligand exchange to displace the surfactants, which are used
during synthesis, can be done by mass action exchange in solution.
The nanocrystals and the new ligand (e.g., one of those described
herein) are co-dissolved in solvent and allowed to react for a
specified time at elevated temperatures. The product is
precipitated with alcohol to remove any excess unbound ligands and
to remove the displaced synthesis surfactants. The attachment is
confirmed by NMR analysis by redissolving the product into a
deuterated NMR compatible solvent. Complexation of the ligand with
the nanocrystal causes a shift and broadening in the spectrum
compared to the free unbound molecule due to a hindered rotation.
As another example, nanostructures are optionally synthesized using
one (or more) of the novel ligands described herein as the
synthesis surfactant(s).
Nanostructure/Ligand Compositions
[0179] One aspect of the invention provides nanostructures having
ligands of the invention bound to them (e.g., attached, conjugated,
coordinated, associated, or otherwise bound to their surface). As
described throughout, the nanostructures are optionally
nanocrystals or quantum dots, e.g., inorganic, semiconductor, or
metal nanocrystals. In certain embodiments, the nanostructures are
core-shell nanostructures.
[0180] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body group comprising an
organic moiety, a head group coupled to the body group, and a tail
group coupled to the body group. The head group comprises a
nanostructure binding moiety, and the tail group comprises a
silicone moiety.
[0181] The body group optionally comprises an unsaturated moiety,
an aryl moiety, an alkene moiety, an alkyne moiety, or the like.
The body group is optionally a non-conjugated unsaturated
moiety.
[0182] In other embodiments, the body group comprises an alkyl
moiety. For example, the body group can be an alkane chain moiety
that contains one or more carbons, e.g., 1-20 carbons. Examples
include, but are not limited to, compounds 11-26 in Table 1. In one
embodiment, the body group is a linear alkyl moiety three carbons
or four carbons in length.
[0183] The nanostructure binding moiety can be essentially any
moiety that binds or is capable of binding to the surface of the
nanostructure. The binding can be, for example, covalent,
non-covalent, electrostatic, dative, and/or the like. In one class
of embodiments, the nanostructure binding moiety is a carboxylic
acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid
moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, or an amine
moiety. In some embodiments, the head group is monodentate; in
other embodiments, the head group is multidentate, which can result
in higher affinity binding of the ligand to the nanostructure
surface.
[0184] In one class of embodiments, the tail group comprises a
linear silicone moiety. Exemplary ligands include, but are not
limited to, compounds 11-13 and 16-25 in Table 1. In certain
embodiments, the tail includes 7-12 dimethylsiloxane units; such
compounds are readily soluble in silicone media but are not so
large that a highly concentrated solution can not be prepared. In
other embodiments, the tail group comprises a cyclic silicone
moiety (e.g., compound 15), a branched silicone moiety (e.g.,
compound 14), or a silsesquioxane moiety (e.g., a polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) moiety). Optionally, the silicone
moiety is a moiety other than a silsequioxane moiety or other than
a POSS moiety. The ligand is optionally thermostable, e.g., to
300.degree. C., 400.degree. C., or even 500.degree. C. or more.
[0185] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a polymeric ligand bound to a
surface of the nanostructure. The polymeric ligand comprises a
linear silicone backbone and one or more nanostructure binding
moieties coupled to the silicone backbone.
[0186] The polymeric ligand includes two or more monomer units. As
just a few examples, a monomer unit can be a dimethylsiloxane
group, a phenylmethylsiloxane group, or a siloxane group bearing a
nanostructure binding moiety. The monomer units within the ligand
can be of the same type or of different types. In ligands including
two or more different types of monomer units, the ligand can, e.g.,
include a block copolymer of the units (such as in compounds 26-27
and 32-33 in Table 1) or a random copolymer of the units (such as
in compounds 36-39).
[0187] As for the embodiments above, the nanostructure binding
moiety can be essentially any moiety that binds or is capable of
binding to the surface of the nanostructure, e.g., a carboxylic
acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid
moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, or an amine
moiety. The ligand optionally comprises two or more nanostructure
binding moieties, e.g., three or more, five or more, 10 or more, or
even 20 or more.
[0188] In one class of embodiments, each of the one or more
nanostructure binding moieties is coupled to the silicone backbone
through an alkyl moiety. For example, a nanostructure binding
moiety can be coupled to the silicon atom through a linear alkyl
group (examples of such ligands include compounds 26-29 and 32-39
in Table 1). As another example, the nanostructure binding moiety
can be coupled to the silicone backbone through an alkane chain and
a silicone moiety (examples of such ligands include compounds
30-31). In embodiments in which the ligand includes two or more
nanostructure binding moieties, each of the moieties is typically
coupled to a different silicon atom in the silicone backbone.
[0189] One general class of embodiments provides a composition
comprising a nanostructure and a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanostructure, which ligand comprises a body group comprising an
alkyl moiety, a head group coupled to the body group, and a tail
group coupled to the body group. The head group comprises a
nanostructure binding moiety, and the tail group comprises an
unsaturated moiety or a silane moiety.
[0190] As for the embodiments above, the nanostructure binding
moiety can be essentially any moiety that binds or is capable of
binding to the surface of the nanostructure, e.g., a carboxylic
acid moiety, a monocarboxylic acid moiety, a dicarboxylic acid
moiety, a phosphonate moiety, a diethylphosphonate moiety, a
bistrimethylsilylphosphonate moiety, a thiol moiety, or an amine
moiety.
[0191] In one class of embodiments, the body group is a linear
alkyl moiety. Examples include, but are not limited to, compounds
40-45 in Table 1. The linear alkyl moiety includes one or more
carbons, for example, 1-20 carbons. In one embodiment, the body
group is a linear alkyl moiety three carbons or four carbons in
length.
[0192] In embodiments in which the tail group comprises an
unsaturated moiety, the moiety can be an alkene moiety (e.g., a
monoalkene, dialkene, or diene), an alkyne moiety, an aromatic
moiety, an aryl moiety, or the like. Exemplary ligands in which the
tail group is an alkene moiety include compounds 43 and 44 of Table
1. The tail group is optionally a non-conjugated moiety. It is
worth noting that certain ligands can be described as alkenes or
alkynes bearing one or more nanostructure binding groups, instead
of or in addition to being described in terms of head, body, and
tail groups.
[0193] In embodiments in which the tail group comprises a silane
moiety, the silane moiety includes a silicon atom with three
independently selected organic substituents. For example, the
silicon atom can have three alkene substituents or three aromatic
or aryl substituents. In one class of embodiments, the tail group
comprises a trialkyl silane moiety.
[0194] Exemplary ligands in which the tail group comprises a silane
moiety include compounds 40-42 and 45 of Table 1.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Exemplary ligands. 11 ##STR00001## where m
is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 20 (e.g., 3-4), where n is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40 (e.g., 2; preferably 7-12), and
where R is the head group 12 ##STR00002## where m is an integer,
e.g., between 1 and 20 (e.g., 3-4), where n is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 40 (preferably, 7-12), and where R is selected from
the group consisting of ##STR00003## 13 ##STR00004## where n is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40 (preferably, 7-12), and where R is
selected from the group consisting of ##STR00005## 14 ##STR00006##
where R is selected from the group consisting of ##STR00007## 15
##STR00008## where R is selected from the group consisting of
##STR00009## 16 ##STR00010## where m is an integer, e.g., between 0
and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where o is
an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q
is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 40 (preferably, 7- 12), and
where R' is Me or Bu 17 ##STR00011## where n is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 40 (preferably, 7-12) 18 ##STR00012## where n is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40 (preferably, 7-12, e.g., 8-9) 19
##STR00013## where n and m are integers, and where R is an alkyl
group, an aryl group, or combinations thereof 20 ##STR00014## 21
##STR00015## 22 ##STR00016## 23 ##STR00017## 24 ##STR00018## 25
##STR00019## where n and m are integers, and where R is an alkyl
group, an aryl group, or combinations thereof 26 ##STR00020## where
m is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where n is an integer,
e.g., between 0 and 20, where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and
20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q is an integer, e.g., between 1
and 40 (e.g., 2-40), and where r is an integer, e.g., between 0 and
40 (e.g., 2-40 or 3-40) 27 ##STR00021## where n is an integer,
e.g., between 1 and 40 (e.g., 2-40), and where m is an integer,
e.g., between 0 and 40 (e.g., 2-40 or 3-40) 28 ##STR00022## where m
is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where q is an integer, e.g., between 1
and 40 29 ##STR00023## where n is an integer, e.g., between 1 and
40 30 ##STR00024## where m is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where o is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where q
is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40 31 ##STR00025## where n is an
integer, e.g., between 1 and 40 32 ##STR00026## where R' is
--(OSiMe.sub.2).sub.rSiMe.sub.3, where m is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or
3, where q is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, and where r is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40 33 ##STR00027## where n is an
integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, and where m is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 40 34 ##STR00028## where R' is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rCH.sub.3, where m is an integer, e.g., between 0
and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where o is
an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, where q
is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, and where r is an integer,
e.g., between 0 and 40 35 ##STR00029## where n is an integer, e.g.,
between 1 and 40 36 ##STR00030## where m is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or
3, where q is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, where r is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40, and where the dimethylsiloxane
moiety and the moiety bearing the dicarboxylic acid nanostructure
binding moiety are randomly situated along the silicone backbone 37
##STR00031## where m is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, where n
is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 40, and where the
dimethylsiloxane moiety and the moiety bearing the dicarboxylic
acid nanostructure binding moiety are randomly situated along the
silicone backbone 38 ##STR00032## where m is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or
3, where q is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, where r is an
integer, e.g., between 0 and 40, and where the phenylmethylsiloxane
moiety and the moiety bearing the dicarboxylic acid nanostructure
binding moiety are randomly situated along the silicone backbone 39
##STR00033## where m is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 40, where n
is an integer, e.g., between 1 and 40, and where the
phenylmethylsiloxane moiety and the moiety bearing the dicarboxylic
acid nanostructure binding moiety are randomly situated along the
silicone backbone 40 ##STR00034## where m is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or
3, where q is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 40, and where r is 1,
2, or 3 41 ##STR00035## 42 ##STR00036## 43 ##STR00037## where m is
an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where n is an integer, e.g.,
between 0 and 20, where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20,
where p is 1, 2, or 3, and where q is an integer, e.g., between 0
and 40 44 ##STR00038## 45 ##STR00039## 46 ##STR00040## 47
##STR00041## where m is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where n
is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 20, where p is 1, 2, or 3, and
where o is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 60 (e.g., between 0 and
30) 48 ##STR00042## where n is an integer, e.g., between 0 and 60
(e.g., between 0 and 30)
[0195] It will be evident that although certain exemplary ligands
are shown with a particular nanostructure binding moiety, the
depicted moiety can be replaced with any other nanostructure
binding moiety to obtain another ligand of the invention (e.g., in
compounds 13-48).
[0196] As described above, one aspect of the invention provides a
wide variety of novel dicarboxylic and polycarboxylic acid
nanostructure ligands. Thus, one general class of embodiments
provides a composition including a nanostructure and a ligand bound
to a surface of the nanostructure, where the ligand is a
dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid other than a
poly(norbornene)-poly(norbornene-dicarboxylic acid) diblock
copolymer (e.g., any of the carboxylic acid ligands described
herein). In one class of embodiments, the nanostructure comprises a
semiconductor other than ZnO or ZnS; for example, the nanostructure
can comprise a Group III-V semiconductor, a Group IV semiconductor,
etc. In another class of embodiments, the nanostructure is a metal
nanostructure, e.g., a Ru, Pd, Pt, Ni, W, Ta, Co, Mo, Ir, Re, Rh,
Hf, Nb, Au, Ag, Ti, Sn, Zn, Fe, FePt, or similar nanostructure. In
one aspect, the nanostructure is a core-shell nanostructure.
Optionally, a plurality of the ligand-bound nanostructures are
embedded in a polymer, preferably, a polymer comprising a material
different from the carboxylic acid ligand.
[0197] Ligands are optionally synthesized, for example, as
described herein. Certain ligands are commercially available, e.g.,
compound 44 (dodecenyl succinic acid).
[0198] A composition of the invention optionally includes a
plurality or population of the ligand-bound nanostructures. The
nanostructures are optionally dispersed in a solvent or are
optionally embedded in a polymer to form a polymer layer or
nanocomposite. Accordingly, in one aspect, the composition
comprises a plurality of the nano structures, each of which has the
ligand bound to its surface, and a polymer in which the
nanostructures are embedded. The polymer can be, for example, a
silicone polymer (e.g., in embodiments in which the ligand has a
silicone tail group or substituent) or a hydrocarbon or other
organic polymer (e.g., in embodiments in which the ligand has an
alkyl, alkene, or other hydrocarbon tail or substituent). Suitable
polymers are well known in the art and examples are described
herein. Additional exemplary hydrocarbon polymers include
polystyrene, polyethylene, acrylates, and the like.
[0199] In another embodiment, the present invention provides
polymeric layers, comprising a polymer and semiconductor
nanocrystals embedded within the polymer, wherein the nanocrystals
have miscibility-enhancing ligands conjugated to their surface, and
wherein the ligands comprise an alkane chain of between 6 and 18
carbons in length. In suitable embodiments, the ligands can
comprise an alkane chain of between 12 and 18 carbons in length.
The polymer will suitably be silicone, and the semiconductor
nanocrystals will suitably have a size between about 1-10 nm, and
in certain embodiments will be ZnS nanocrystals. In certain
embodiments, the polymeric layers will scatter a minimal portion of
light that enters said polymeric layer. Suitably, the layer will be
greater than about 0.5 mm in thickness.
V. Processes for Producing Nanocomposites
[0200] In another embodiment, as represented in FIG. 21, the
present invention provides processes for preparing polymeric
layers, comprising (a) mixing semiconductor nanocrystals at a first
density with a solvent and a polymer to form a first mixture
(2100), (b) coating a substrate material with the first mixture
(2102), and (c) evaporating the solvent to form the polymeric layer
(2104), wherein the polymeric layer has an effective refractive
index of n.sub.1.
[0201] In suitable embodiments, the processes of the present
invention can be used to coat active devices or optical devices. As
discussed throughout, nanocrystals useful in the processes of the
present invention can comprise miscibility-enhancing ligands
conjugated, coordinated, attached, bound or otherwise associated to
their surface. Any of the various types of nanocrystals discussed
herein can be used in the processes of the present invention. For
example, high emission nanocrystals, low emission/high absorption
nanocrystals and low emission/low absorption nanocrystals can be
used. In certain embodiments, two or more different types of
nanocrystals can be mixed with the solvent and polymer, thereby
creating a composite that has several or all of the properties
described herein. Refractive index matching applications can
utilize any of the nanocrystals discussed throughout, depending on
if the nanocomposite is also required to function as a
down-converting layer or a filtering layer. In other applications,
nanocrystals that have low emission/low absorption properties are
useful in refractive index matching applications where refractive
index effects only are desired.
[0202] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the processes of
the present invention can further comprise (d) mixing semiconductor
nanocrystals at a second density with a solvent and a polymer to
form a second mixture (2106), (e) coating the substrate material
with the second mixture (2108), and (f) evaporating the solvent to
form a second polymeric layer (2110), wherein the second polymeric
layer has an effective refractive index of n.sub.2.
[0203] In other embodiments, the processes of the present invention
can further comprise repeating steps (d) through (f) with a third
through i.sup.th density of semiconductor nanocrystals to produce
third through i.sup.th polymeric layers, wherein the third through
i.sup.th polymeric layers have effective refractive indices,
n.sub.3 through n.sub.i, respectively (2112). As used herein, "i"
refers to an integer. The present invention encompasses processes
for producing polymeric layers which comprise any number of
separate layers used to produce an overall layer, coating, or
encapsulant. Each individual layer, 1 through i, can comprise a
different density of nanocrystals, nanocrystals of a different
composition (i.e., high emission or high absorptive properties),
and nanocrystals of different sizes. As such, each layer can have a
different effective refractive index and can have multiple and/or
different properties and characteristics.
[0204] By providing individual polymeric layers each with a
potentially different effective refractive index, an overall
polymeric layer (e.g., an encapsulating layer) can be generated
that has a nanocrystal density gradient throughout the overall
layer, and also an effective refractive index gradient throughout
the overall layer. FIG. 22 illustrates that the effective
refractive index of the 1.sup.st layer, n.sub.1 (2200), will be
greater than any other layer (2202, 2204, 2206), and the effective
refractive index of the i.sup.th layer, n.sub.i (2206), will be
less than any other layer (2200, 2202, 2204). It should also be
noted that the processes of the present invention can be performed
in the reverse order, i.e., where the nanocrystal density and thus
the effective refractive index of the i.sup.th layer is higher than
any other layer, and the effective refractive index of the first
layer prepared, n.sub.1, is less than any other layer. In other
embodiments, the density and effective refractive index of the
individual layers can be the same, or can be prepared in such a
manner that the overall effective refractive index of the polymeric
layer varies throughout the layer, rather than in a graded fashion,
as in FIG. 22.
[0205] As discussed throughout, various known processes can be used
to coat a substrate material with the polymeric layers of the
present invention, as would become apparent to people having
ordinary skill in the art and based on the description herein.
Suitable coating processes include, but are not limited to, spin
coating and screen printing.
[0206] In general, spin coating consists of four stages. The first
stage is the deposition of the coating fluid onto the substrate. It
can be done using a nozzle that pours the coating solution out, or
can be sprayed onto the surface, etc. Usually this dispense stage
provides a substantial excess of coating solution compared to the
amount that will ultimately be required in the final coating
thickness. The second stage is when the substrate is accelerated up
to its final, desired, rotation speed. The second stage is usually
characterized by aggressive fluid expulsion from the substrate
surface by the rotational motion. Ultimately, the substrate reaches
its desired speed and the fluid is thin enough that the viscous
shear drag exactly balances the rotational accelerations. The third
stage is when the substrate is spinning at a constant rate and
fluid viscous forces dominate fluid thinning behavior. This stage
is characterized by gradual fluid thinning. Mathematical treatments
of the flow behavior show that if the liquid exhibits Newtonian
viscosity (i.e., is linear) and if the fluid thickness is initially
uniform across the substrate (albeit rather thick), then the fluid
thickness profile at any following time will also be uniform,
leading to a uniform final coating. The fourth stage is when the
substrate is spinning at a constant rate and solvent evaporation
dominates the coating thinning behavior. As the prior stage
advances, the fluid thickness reaches a point where the viscosity
effects yield only rather minor net fluid flow. At this point, the
evaporation of any volatile solvent species will become the
dominant process occurring in the coating.
[0207] In another embodiment, the processes of the present
invention can further comprise centrifuging the mixture produced in
step 2100 to form a nanocrystal density gradient within the mixture
prior to the coating in 2102. The use of centrifugation creates a
gradient within the polymeric layer as nanocrystals separate in
accordance with their inertia. Various centrifugation speeds or
accelerations can be used to produce the nanocrystal density
gradient in the polymeric layers and can readily be determined by
those skilled in the art. The centrifugation speed selected depends
on the size of the nanocrystals and the difference in density
between the nanocrystals and the polymer solution prior to
polymerization, and the centrifugal approach. Centrifugation can be
for a short time at high speed and generate a gradient kinetically
where the centrifugation step is timed based on a calculated or
measured centrifugation rate. Alternatively, an equilibrium
approach can be used where the flux of the nanocrystals toward the
bottom of a centrifuge tube is matched to the flux of nanocrystals
toward the top of the tube (due to diffusion). The diffusional flux
is proportional to the concentration gradient of the nanocrystals.
Suitably, accelerations can be in the range of a few hundred times
g to 100,000 times g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity
(9.8 m/s.sup.2) By selecting nanocrystals of different sizes and
made from different materials, the nanocrystals will spread out
through the polymeric layer according to their inertia in response
to the centrifugation and generate a gradient in the layer. Any
other process known to those skilled in the art to generate
gradients within polymers may also be used to create the polymeric
layers of the present invention.
[0208] In optical lenses, the optical path length varies with
distance from its center, where optical path length is defined as
the product of the physical path length, thickness, and the
refractive index, n, of the lens material. In the most common
lenses, the refractive index, n, is fixed and the thickness,
varies. However, a lens can also be created by keeping the
thickness, constant and varying the refractive index as a function
of distance from the axis of the lens. Such a lens is called a
Graded Index lens, or sometimes abbreviated as a GRIN lens. The
methods of the present invention can also be used to create GRIN
lenses. Polymer/nanocrystal blends can be used to make GRIN lenses
due to the dramatic refractive index difference between
nanocrystals (e.g., ZnS about 2.35) and optical plastics such as
poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (refractive index about 1.45).
With normal glass, a difference of about 0.05 refractive index
units is achievable over about 8 mm. Utilizing the methods and
processes of the present application, a difference of about 0.20
refractive index units over about 8 mm can be achieved to make much
more powerful lenses.
[0209] In such embodiments, a gradient pump can be used to inject a
solution containing polymer monomers and nanocrystals into the
center of a mold, and then nanocrystal concentration can be varied
during the fill. The lens can then be cured and removed.
[0210] The polymeric nanocomposites of the present invention can be
used in any application where the down-conversion, filtering,
and/or refractive index characteristics of the composites are
desired. Non-limiting examples of applications of polymeric
nanocomposites with increased refractive indexes include:
[0211] Super High Gloss Coatings: Increasing the refractive index
of a transparent coating increases gloss. The addition of
nanocrystals (e.g., ZnS nanocrystals) to polymeric coatings such as
waxes and other coatings (e.g., car waxes, shoe waxes, floor
coatings and related products) would increase the amount of light
that is reflected from the coated surface and thus increase the
glossiness of its appearance. Appropriate ligands, including C18,
PEG and others discussed throughout could be used so as to allow
the nanocrystals to be formulated with various polymers, waxes and
coatings.
[0212] Plastic Eye Glass Lenses and Contacts: The thickness of a
lens is proportional to the refractive index of the material of
which it made. The higher the refractive index, the thinner the
lens. Normal glass has a refractive index of about 1.523 while an
example plastic, such as CR39, has refractive index of 1.49. A
plastic lens, although lighter in weight, is thicker than a glass
lens of equivalent power.
[0213] By incorporating nanocrystals, for example ZnS nanocrystals
suitably with the appropriate ligands, into a plastic lens, the
refractive index can be increased beyond the level of glass to make
ultra-thin lenses. In applications such as contact lenses, there is
an even more pressing need to create thin lenses due to the
importance of oxygen transport through the lens to the eye. The
refractive index of contact lenses are about 1.40. The addition of
even a small percentage of nanocrystals (e.g., about 10% ZnS) would
increase the refractive index to about 1.5, therefore allowing for
thinner lenses. Ligands such as those discussed throughout can be
used to lock the nanocrystals in place in the polymeric layer. The
addition of nanocrystals with specific absorptive properties, e.g.,
ultraviolet (UV) absorbing nanocrystals, would allow for the
creation of UV (or other wavelength) blocking lenses.
VI. Processes for Producing Nanostructures
[0214] Semiconductor nanocrystals, particularly with sizes on the
scale of 1-10 nm, have emerged as a category of the most promising
advanced materials for cutting-edge technologies because of their
novel properties. Despite the technological advantages of this new
generation of materials, concerns have arisen about potentially
harmful interactions of nanocrystals with biological systems and
the environment, for example, potential toxicity. Only a few
semiconductor compounds are considered to be non-toxic, such as
zinc sulfide (ZnS), indium phosphide (InP), gallium phosphide
(GaP), indium nitride (InN), etc.
[0215] For many applications of quantum dots, two factors are
typically considered. The first factor is the ability to absorb and
emit visible light. This consideration makes InP a highly desirable
base material. The second factor is the photoluminescence
efficiency (quantum yield). Generally, II-VI quantum dots (such as
cadmium selenide) have higher quantum yield than III-V quantum dots
(such as InP). The quantum yield of InP cores produced previously
has been very low (<<1%), and therefore the production of a
core-shell structure with InP as the core and another semiconductor
compound with higher bandgap (e.g. ZnS) as the shell has been
pursued in attempts to improve the quantum yield. However, previous
efforts in this direction have achieved a quantum yield of only
10-20% for two reasons. First, the cores used were of low quality;
therefore, the growth process was accompanied by the appearance of
precipitation. Second, the surfactants used in the syntheses,
trioctylphosphine (TOP) and trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), are
bound weakly with the nanocrystals and therefore provided weak
protection to the nanocrystal surface. Although in one instance the
quantum yield of InP dots was reportedly made as high 20-40% by
means of photoetching, those etched dots have poor stability in
terms of photoluminescence efficiency.
[0216] See, e.g., Micic et al. (1995) "Synthesis and
characterization of InP, GaP, GaInP2 quantum dots" J. Phys. Chem.
99:7754-7759; Guzelian et al. (1996) "Synthesis of size-selected,
surface-passivated InP nanocrystals" J. Phys. Chem. 100:7212-7219;
Battaglia and Peng (2002) "Formation of high quality InP and InAs
nanocrystals in a noncoordinating solvent" Nano Lett. 2:1027-1030;
Lucey et al. (2005) "Monodispersed InP Quantum Dots Prepared by
Colloidal Chemistry in a Noncoordinating Solvent" Chem. Mater.
17:3754-3762; Xu et al. (2006) "Rapid synthesis of high-quality InP
nanocrystals" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128:1054-1055; Haubold et al.
(2001) "Strongly luminescent InP/ZnS core-shell nanoparticles" Chem
Phys Chem. 2:331; Micic et al. (2000) "Core-shell quantum dots of
lattice matched ZnCdSe2 shells on InP cores: experiment and theory"
J. Phys. Chem. B 104:12149-12156; Bharali et al. (2005)
"Folate-Receptor-Mediated Delivery of InP Quantum Dots for
Bioimaging Using Confocal and Two-Photon Microscopy" J. Am. Chem.
Soc. 127:11364; Talapin et al. (2002) "Etching of colloidal Inp
nanocrystals with fluorides: photochemical nature of the process
resulting in high photoluminescence efficiency" J. Phys. Chem. B
106:12659-12663; Hines and Guyot-Sionnest (1998) "Bright UV-Blue
Luminescent Colloidal ZnSe Nanocrystals" J. Phys. Chem. B 102:3655;
Li et al. (2004) "High quality ZnSe and ZnS nanocrystals formed by
activating zinc carboxylate precursors" Nano Lett. 4:2261-2264;
Chen et al. (2004) "Colloidal ZnSe, ZnSe/ZnS, and ZnSe/ZnSeS
quantum dots synthesized from ZnO" J. Phys. Chem. B
108:17119-17123; Murray et al. (1993) "Synthesis and
characterization of nearly monodisperse CdE (E=S, Se, Te)
semiconductor nanocrystallites", J. Am. Chem. Soc. 115:8706-8715;
Dabbousi et al. (1997) J. Phys. Chem. B 101:9463; and Cao and Banin
(2000) "Growth and properties of semiconductor core/shell
nanocrystals with InAs cores" J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122:9692-9702.
[0217] One aspect of the invention provides methods for
synthesizing high quality InP nanostructures, including high
quality InP cores which can be used for production of high quality
core-shell nanocrystals. In previously reported work, InP cores
were prepared with indium chloride as the precursor for indium and
TOPO (trioctyl phosphine oxide) as the solvent. The methods of the
present invention use novel precursors, surfactants, and/or
solvents to synthesize InP cores, for example, indium acetate as
the precursor for indium, tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine as the
precursor for phosphorous, and a mixture of lauric acid and
trioctylphosphine oxide as the growth solvent, which enables
precise control of the resulting InP particle size and size
distribution as well as the surface properties. In addition, the
resulting cores are extremely stable and have higher quantum yield
than has previously been achieved.
[0218] Another aspect of the invention provides methods of shell
growth, also facilitating synthesis of high quality core-shell
nanostructures. For example, a novel strategy for ZnS shell growth
is provided, in which diethylzinc and hexamethyldisilthiane are
used as precursors and a fatty acid is used as a part of the growth
solvent. This enables further narrowing of the size distribution
and significant increase of quantum yield. In other embodiments,
dicarboxylic and polycarboxylic acids, including novel ligands
described herein, are used as surfactants. For example, shells were
grown using a monodicarboxylic acid terminated polydimethylsiloxane
(DCASi-Me) as the surfactant. With this new surfactant, the surface
of the nanocrystals was better passivated, and the quantum yield
was boosted to greater than 50%.
[0219] One general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of InP nanostructures. In the methods, a first
precursor, e.g., indium acetate, and a second precursor, e.g.,
tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine, are provided. The first and second
precursors are reacted in the presence of an acid and a solvent to
produce the nanostructures. The solvent is preferably a solvent
other than octadecene. For example, the solvent can be TOPO, TOP,
benzophenone, hexadecane, octadecane, or another solvent with a
similarly high boiling point.
[0220] In one class of embodiments, the acid is a fatty acid, for
example, lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, or
stearic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is a phosphonic acid,
a dicarboxylic acid, or a polycarboxylic acid, for example, one of
those described herein or known in the art. Examples include, but
are not limited to, phosphonic acids such as hexylphosphonic acid
and tetradecylphosphonic acid and carboxylic acids such as
heptanedioic acid and dodecenylsuccinoic acid. Dicarboxylic acids
are compounds having two carboxylic acid moieties (e.g., two
monocarboxylic acid moieties or one dicarboxylic acid moiety).
Polycarboxylic acids are compounds having three or more carboxylic
acid moieties.
[0221] The resulting nanostructures are typically nanocrystals,
optionally, small nanocrystals having a narrow distribution of
sizes. For example, the average diameter of the resulting
nanocrystals can be between 1 and 6 nm, e.g., between 1.5 and 5.5
nm, e.g., less than 2.5 nm or less than 2.0 nm. In one embodiment,
the emission spectrum of the nanocrystals has an emission maximum
of between 500 nm and 750 nm. In one embodiment, a luminescence
spectrum of the nanocrystals has a full width at half maximum of
less than 70 nm (e.g., less than 60 nm, less than 50 nm, or even 40
nm or less), indicating that the nanocrystals have a narrow size
distribution.
[0222] The methods optionally include using the InP nanostructures
as cores and growing one or more shells around them, for example, a
ZnS, ZnSe, ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x, ZnTe, or ZnO shell. Optionally, the
resulting nanostructures have a high quantum efficiency, e.g.,
greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 55%, or even 60%
or higher.
[0223] Another general class of embodiments provides methods for
production of core-shell nanostructures having Group II-VI
semiconductor shells. In the methods, a nanostructure core is
provided, and a shell surrounding the core is produced by providing
a first precursor comprising a Group II atom, providing a second
precursor comprising a Group VI atom, and reacting the first and
second precursors in the presence of a ligand to produce the shell.
The precursors are typically reacted in a solvent or mixture of
solvents such as TOP, TOPO, etc. Conditions such as the reaction
temperature and annealing time can be varied as is known in the art
(for either core or shell synthesis).
[0224] The ligand is a dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid.
Exemplary ligands are described herein, and additional examples can
be found in the art. Exemplary ligands include, but are not limited
to, compounds 16, 18 (DCASi-Me), 43, 44, 46, 47, and 48.
[0225] The cores can include essentially any material around which
a II-VI shell is desirable. In one class of embodiments, the core
comprises a Group II-VI semiconductor, e.g., CdS, ZnS, ZnSe, or
ZnTe. In another class of embodiments, the core comprises a Group
III-V semiconductor, e.g., InP, InAs, or In.sub.1-xGa.sub.xP.
[0226] Similarly, the shell can comprise essentially any desired
II-VI semiconductor. For example, the shell can comprise ZnS, ZnSe,
or ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x. Exemplary core-shell combinations include,
but are not limited to, InP/ZnS, InP/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell/shell,
InP/ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x, core/alloy shell, In.sub.1-xGa.sub.xP/ZnS
alloy core/shell (optionally for better lattice matching between
the cores and the shells so as to improve the quantum yield and
making the shell thicker for improved environmental stability), and
other non-toxic nanocrystals such as ZnSe/ZnS and ZnTe/ZnS
core-shell nanocrystals whose emission can cover the blue to
ultra-violet spectral range.
[0227] As noted above, the first precursor can be diethylzinc.
Other exemplary first precursors include dimethyl zinc, zinc oxide,
zinc stearate, and zinc acetate. The second precursor can be, e.g.,
hexamethyldisilthiane or elemental sulfur.
[0228] Compositions produced by or useful in practicing the methods
are also features of the invention. For example, a composition can
include a first precursor, e.g., indium acetate, a second
precursor, e.g., tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine, an acid, and a
solvent. The solvent is preferably a solvent other than octadecene.
For example, the solvent can be TOPO, TOP, benzophenone,
hexadecane, octadecane, or another solvent with a similarly high
boiling point. In one class of embodiments, the acid is a fatty
acid, for example, lauric acid, capric acid, myristic acid,
palmitic acid, or stearic acid. In other embodiments, the acid is a
phosphonic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, or a polycarboxylic acid, for
example, one of those described herein or known in the art. The
composition optionally includes InP nanostructures, e.g.,
nanocrystals, optionally, small nanocrystals having a narrow
distribution of sizes. Another exemplary composition includes a
nanostructure core, a first precursor comprising a Group II atom, a
second precursor comprising a Group VI atom, and a dicarboxylic or
polycarboxylic acid ligand. The composition optionally includes
core-shell nanostructures having Group II-VI semiconductor shells.
Essentially all of the features described for the methods above
apply to these compositions as well, as relevant.
[0229] As noted above, use of the methods and/or ligands of the
invention enable synthesis of nanostructures with high quantum
efficiency. Quantum efficiency (also known in the literature as
quantum yield) is the number of defined events which occur per
photon absorbed (e.g., the number of photons emitted by the
nanostructures per photon absorbed by the nanostructures).
[0230] Accordingly, one general class of embodiments provides a
composition comprising a population of nanostructures, which
population displays a quantum efficiency of 50% or greater. A
member nanostructure of the population (typically, each member of
the population) comprises a core and a shell, which core is other
than a Cd-containing core or a Pb-containing core. Optionally, the
population displays a quantum efficiency of 55% or greater, e.g.,
about 60% or more.
[0231] In one class of embodiments, a ligand is bound to a surface
of the member nanostructure (e.g., each member). Exemplary ligands
include, but are not limited to, those described herein, for
example, dicarboxylic acid ligands such as compounds 16 or 18.
[0232] As noted, the core does not contain Cd or Pb. In certain
embodiments, the core is a non-heavy-metal containing core, where
the heavy metals are the group of elements between copper and lead
on the periodic table of the elements, having atomic weights
between 63.546 and 200.590 and specific gravities greater than 4.0.
In one class of embodiments, the core comprises a Group III-V
semiconductor, e.g., InP. The shell can comprise essentially any
desired material, for example, a Group II-VI semiconductor such as
ZnS, ZnSe, ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x, ZnTe, or ZnO.
[0233] In one class of embodiments, the member nanostructure
comprises an InP core. Optionally, the nanostructure comprises a
ZnS, ZnSe, ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x, ZnTe, or ZnO shell. A ligand can be
bound to a surface of the member nanostructure, for example,
compound 18.
[0234] Essentially all of the features described for the
embodiments above apply to these embodiments as well, as relevant.
For example, the nanostructures can be quantum dots. The
nanocrystals can have a narrow size distribution, the cores can be
small (e.g., between 1.5 and 5.5 nm in diameter), and/or the
nanocrystals can cover the visible spectral range, e.g., having an
emission wavelength between 500 nm and 750 nm. The nanostructures
are optionally dispersed in a solvent, polymer, or the like. Such
highly luminescent nanostructures have a variety of applications,
e.g., in luminescent nanocomposites, etc.
[0235] As noted above, use of the methods and/or ligands of the
invention enable synthesis of small InP nanostructures. Thus, one
class of embodiments provides a composition comprising a population
of InP nanocrystals, wherein the average diameter of the
nanocrystals in the population is less than 5.5 nm. Preferably, the
average diameter of the nanocrystals is less than 2.5 nm, e.g.,
less than 2.0 nm. In one embodiment, the average diameter is as
small as 1.5 nm or 1 nm. The nanocrystals optionally have a narrow
size distribution.
[0236] Also as noted above, use of the methods and/or ligands of
the invention enable synthesis of InP nanostructures having a
narrow size distribution. Accordingly, one class of embodiments
provides a composition comprising a population of InP nanocrystals,
wherein a luminescence spectrum of the population has a full width
at half maximum of less than 70 nm. For example, the full width at
half maximum can be less than 60 nm, less than 50 nm, or even 40 nm
or less. The nanocrystals are optionally small, e.g., 1-6 nm or
1.5-5.5 nm in size; optionally, the emission spectrum of the
population has an emission maximum between 500 nm and 750 nm.
VI. Luminescent Nanocomposites
[0237] Incorporation of luminescent nanocrystals into a curable
matrix is desirable for fabrication of luminescent, optically
transparent solid state samples of desired shape. However, such
incorporation has been difficult to achieve. In previous attempts
at incorporating luminescent nanocrystals into a curable matrix,
either the nanocrystals were incompatible with the matrix, leading
to phase separation, or the luminescence was lost after curing,
particularly for nanostructures that do not contain cadmium.
[0238] In one aspect, the present invention provides luminescent
nanocomposites and methods for incorporating luminescent
nanostructures into curable matrices while preserving the
luminescent properties into the solid state. The nanostructures
optionally have ligands bound to their surface, including novel
ligands of the invention and/or other tightly binding ligands.
[0239] One general class of embodiments thus provides a luminescent
nanocomposite comprising a population of luminescent nanocrystals,
which nanocrystals are embedded in a matrix, and which nanocrystals
substantially retain their luminescence when embedded in the
matrix. The matrix is preferably an epoxy, polyurea, or
polyurethane matrix. An "epoxy" is an epoxide polymer that
polymerizes and crosslinks when mixed with a catalyzing agent.
"Polyurea" is a polymer created by a chemical reaction between an
isocyanate and an amine. "Polyurethane" is a polymer created by a
chemical reaction between an isocyanate and a polyol. A variety of
suitable matrices are well known in the art.
[0240] As noted, the nanocrystals remain luminescent when embedded
in the matrix. Thus, light output of the composite is optionally at
least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30% or more of
light output of a comparable population of nanocrystals not
embedded in the matrix. For example, the quantum yield of a
luminescent nanocomposite can be 18%, compared to a quantum yield
of 53% for corresponding nanocrystals in solution; light output of
the composite would thus be 34% that of the free nanocrystals.
[0241] In one class of embodiments, a ligand is bound to a surface
of a member nanocrystal (e.g., of each member nanostructure). The
ligand can include a nanostructure binding moiety such as an amine
moiety or a dicarboxylic acid moiety. Exemplary amine ligands
include aliphatic amines, such as decylamine or octylamine, and
polymeric amines. Exemplary dicarboxylic acid ligands include, but
are not limited to, those described herein; for example, compounds
43, 44, and 46.
[0242] In one aspect, the nanocrystals are non-Cd containing
nanocrystals. In embodiments in which the nanocrystals are
core-shell nanocrystals, both the core and the shell are
substantially cadmium free (i.e., are synthesized from precursors
which comprise elements other than cadmium). The non-Cd containing
nanocrystals are typically free of cadmium as determined by
elemental analysis. In one embodiment, the nanocrystals are
core-shell nanocrystals, and the cores comprise a Group III-V
semiconductor. As just a few examples, the nanocrystals can be
InP/ZnS, InP/ZnSe, or InP/ZnSe.sub.xS.sub.1-x, core-shell
nanocrystals or InP/ZnSe/ZnS core/shell/shell nanocrystals, e.g.,
such as those described above.
[0243] A related general class of embodiments provides a
luminescent nanocomposite comprising a population of luminescent
nanocrystals embedded in a matrix, wherein a ligand is bound to a
surface of a member nanocrystal. The ligand preferably comprises an
amine moiety or a dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the
surface of the member nanocrystal. Preferably, as for the
embodiments above, the nanocrystals substantially retain their
luminescence when embedded in the matrix.
[0244] The matrix can be essentially any desired matrix, for
example, an optically transparent and/or curable matrix. A variety
of matrices are well known in the art and can be adapted to
practice of the present invention. In one embodiment, the matrix
comprises epoxy, polyurea, or polyurethane.
[0245] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these compositions as well, as relevant; for
example, with respect to type of nanocrystal, type of ligand,
and/or the like. For example, the nanocrystals are optionally
non-Cd containing nanocrystals.
[0246] A luminescent composite of the invention is optionally
formed into a desired three-dimensional shape, used as a coating,
etc. Potential applications include luminescent solid state
nanocrystal-based samples of any desirable shape, which can be used
in toys, design applications, encapsulation applications, etc. It
is worth noting that control over nanocrystal size allows for color
tuning, which allows for color tuning while only one excitation
source is needed. Also, the concentration and loading ratios of the
nanocrystals in the composite can be varied.
[0247] The invention also provides methods of making such
luminescent composites. Thus, one general class of embodiments
provides methods of producing a luminescent nanocomposite, in which
luminescent nanocrystals are provided and mixed with one or more
matrix precursors to form a first mixture. The matrix precursors
are cured to produce a matrix, e.g., an epoxy, polyurea, or
polyurethane matrix, thereby providing the nanocomposite. The
resulting nanocomposite comprises the luminescent nanocrystals
embedded in the matrix, wherein the nanocrystals substantially
retain their luminescence when embedded in the matrix. The methods
optionally include casting or forming the first mixture into a
desired shape prior to curing the matrix precursors.
[0248] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these methods as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to light output, composition of the nanocrystals,
associated ligands, and/or the like. For example, providing
luminescent nanocrystals optionally comprises providing luminescent
nanocrystals having a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanocrystals. The ligand can include an amine moiety or a
dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the surface of the
nanocrystals. Exemplary ligands include those noted above, e.g.,
decylamine, octylamine, and compounds 43, 44, and 46.
[0249] A related general class of embodiments also provides methods
of producing a luminescent nanocomposite. In the methods,
luminescent nanocrystals having a ligand bound to a surface of the
nanocrystals are provided. The ligand preferably comprises an amine
moiety or a dicarboxylic acid moiety that binds to the surface of
the nanocrystals. The nanocrystals are mixed with one or more
matrix precursors to form a first mixture, and the matrix
precursors are cured to produce a matrix, thereby providing the
nanocomposite comprising the luminescent nanocrystals embedded in
the matrix. Preferably, the nanocrystals substantially retain their
luminescence when embedded in the matrix. The methods optionally
include casting or forming the first mixture into a desired shape
prior to curing the matrix precursors.
[0250] Essentially all of the features noted for the embodiments
above apply to these methods as well, as relevant; for example,
with respect to composition of the nanocrystals, light output,
exemplary ligands, type of matrix, and/or the like.
EXAMPLES
[0251] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting,
of the method and compositions of the present invention. Other
suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions
and parameters normally encountered in nanocrystal synthesis, and
which would become apparent to those skilled in the art, are within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
Example 1
Core/shell Nanocrystal Synthesis
[0252] Suitable nanocrystal synthesis procedures include
fabricating nanocrystal samples with specific spectral
characteristics matched to those prescribed by the theoretical
models of the present invention. This can include fabricating
nanocrystals with tunable sizes and size distributions (e.g., sizes
ranging from 1-20 nm in diameter producing emission peak
wavelengths tunable between 460 and 640 nm with FWHM tunable from
about 15 to about 100 nm). This in turn is used to synthesize
nanocrystal mixtures identified by simulations that have the
optimal emission characteristics. The simulation and core/shell
nanocrystal procedure is typically performed in an iterative
process.
[0253] Type I core-shell nanocrystals of CdSe/ZnS (core/shell) can
be synthesized by a two step process using a solution phase method,
first with the fabrication of the core material followed by growth
of the shell.
Core Synthesis
[0254] Stock solutions are prepared of Se powder dissolved in
tri-n-butylphosphine (TBP), and Cd(CH.sub.3).sub.2 dissolved in
TBP. In an air-free environment, the Cd stock solution is added
drop-wise to a mixture of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and
trioctylphosphine (TOP), which was previously degassed at
120.degree. C. The temperature is raised to 300.degree. C.,
followed by a quick injection of the Se precursor. After injection,
the temperature drops to around 260.degree. C., which is held
constant for a period of time to control the size of the particle.
By controlling the temperature profile and starting reagents and
conditions, the center-wavelength and size-distribution can be
tuned independently. The identity of the product is confirmed using
XRD and TEM analysis.
Shell Synthesis
[0255] Core CdSe nanocrystals are dispersed in TOPO and TOP to
which a mixture of ZnEt.sub.2 and (TMS).sub.2S will be added at a
temperature between 140.degree. C. to 220.degree. C. ZnS shell
coating thickness will be varied by changing precursor ratios and
growth temperatures to obtain a uniform surface coverage and to
improve the quantum efficiency. The confirmation of shell growth
will be done using XRD, EDX and TEM analysis.
[0256] The optical properties of the individual nanocrystals are
characterized by measurement of the UV-Vis absorption and
photoluminescence spectra using a commercial UV-Vis
spectrophotometer and a fluorometer. The excitation wavelength is
matched to the blue LED (about 460 nm). Internal quantum efficiency
of the nanocrystals in solution are calculated using internal
reference standards. Nanocrystal component mixtures (solution
phase) are formed by mixing the appropriate concentration ratios to
match the predictions from the theoretical model. The emission and
absorption information of these actual mixtures is then back-fed as
an input into the simulation to validate (and to refine, if
necessary) the model.
[0257] The output of this procedure is a solution-phase mixture of
nanocrystals that has the appropriate composition to produce white
light with CRI and CTT matching that of the theoretical model when
illuminated with blue excitation and total down-conversion
efficiency comparable to that predicted by the model, assuming zero
loss to other mechanisms in the process.
Example 2
ZnS Nanocrystal Synthesis
[0258] In the order listed, add the following to a 50 mL 3-neck
round bottom flask:
[0259] 1. Zn(acetate).sub.2: 76.5 mg Lot #12727BC
[0260] 2. Stearic Acid: 484 mg Lot #06615MA
[0261] 3. Tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO): 4.07 g Lot
#21604LA
[0262] In a glove box prepare the following:
[0263] 3.9 g of distilled tri-n-octylphosphine (TOP) (#35-111) in 5
mL syringe;
[0264] 116.4 mg of stock solution O.sub.2-190
(bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide
[0265] (TMS.sub.2S):TOP) in 1 mL syringe; and
[0266] One 40 mL septa cap vial with 5.0 mL of MeOH
[0267] Place reactor under vacuum
[0268] Heat to 120.degree. C.
[0269] Once at 120.degree. C., allow to sit for 20 minutes
[0270] Place reactor under argon
[0271] Slowly inject TOP from 5 mL syringe
[0272] Change set point temperature to 250.degree. C.
[0273] Once at 250.degree. C., immediately inject the stock
solution 02-190 (bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide (TMS.sub.2S):TOP) from
1 mL syringe
[0274] Grow with temperature at 250.degree. C. for 2 minutes
[0275] Remove the heating mantle and allow reaction to cool to
50.degree. C.
[0276] At 50.degree. C., use a syringe to remove the growth
solution and inject it into the 40 mL vial with MeOH.
[0277] FIG. 23 shows an X-Ray diffraction scan of ZnS nanocrystals
produced according the present invention. The scan shows the
presence of Zinc Sulfide with a mixture of wurtzite and zinc blend
(spaelite) crystals.
[0278] FIG. 24 shows a Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of
ZnS nanocrystals (about 4 nm diameter) produced according the
present invention.
[0279] The ZnS nanocrystals can be produced using any chain length
hydrocarbon, for example C6-C22 alkane, depending on the
application and desired properties.
Example 3
Carboxylic Acid-Silicone Ligand Synthesis
[0280] General Methods
[0281] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. THF, toluene,
chloroform-d.sub.1 and toluene-d.sub.8 were dried over activated 4
A Molecular Sieves and de-gassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles.
4-pentenoic acid and 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane were
purchased from Aldrich (St. Louis, Mo.), distilled and stored in a
storage flask using Schlenk technique before use. Heptamethyl
cyclotetrasiloxane and 1,1,1,3,3,5,5-heptamethyl trisiloxane were
purchased from Gelest (Morrisville, Pa.), distilled and stored in a
storage flask using Schlenk technique before use. Karstedt's
catalyst or platinum divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane complex, 2.1 to
2.4% in xylenes, was purchased from Gelest, stored in the glove box
and used without further purification. All products were stored in
the glove box. NMR chemical shift data were recorded with a Bruker
FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H, 100 MHz for .sup.13C{.sup.1H}, 162
MHz for .sup.31P{.sup.1H} and 79.5 MHz for .sup.29Si{.sup.1H} and
are listed in ppm.
[0282] General Synthesis Procedure (See FIG. 20g)
Synthesis of
HO.sub.2C(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0283] In a glove box, the following reaction was set up in a 100
mL Schlenk flask by addition of Karstedt's catalyst (2.66 g
solution, 0.300 mmol) followed by dilution in THY, 60 mL, on the
Schlenk line. Then to the clear colorless solution,
1,1,1,3,3,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane (8.13 mL, 6.67 g, 30.0 mmol)
was added by syringe over about 90 seconds and in about 30 seconds
turned the solution clear green. The solution was stirred at room
temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, with the reaction flask
surrounded by a room temperature water bath, 4-pentenoic acid (3.07
mL, 3.00 g, 30.0 mmol) was added by syringe over about 90 seconds
which slowly turned the solution light brown and produced a small
amount of heat. After about 2 hours, the water bath was heated to
35.degree. C. using a heater controlled by a thermostat and stirred
overnight.
[0284] The volatiles were removed from the clear brown solution by
rotational evaporator leaving an opaque brown oil. The product was
distilled from the mixture by short path apparatus collecting the
fraction with vapor temperature between 80 and 95.degree. C. and
pressure <20 mtorr. The product is a clear colorless oil (5.55 g
or approximately 17 mmol and 57% yield) that typically contains
about 50% acid and 50% anhydride. Complete conversion to the acid
was accomplished by dissolution of the product mixture (2.00 g or
approximately 6.2 mmol) in acetonitrile, 40 mL, followed by
addition of pyridine (5.00 mL, 5.11 g, 64.6 mmol) and water (6.20
mL, 6.20 g, 33.4 mmol). The solution was stirred overnight in air.
The volatiles were removed from the solution by rotational
evaporator until the residue was reduced to an oil. Next, toluene,
100 mL, was added and the volatiles removed by rotational
evaporator until the residue was reduced to an oil. The water
removal using toluene azeotrope was performed twice. The resulting
clear colorless oil was transferred into a beaker producing a layer
about 3 mm thick and the product dried in a desiccator over
phosphorous pentoxide under static vacuum of <10 mtorr
overnight. The product was a clear colorless oil (1.35 g, 4.18
mmol, 67% yield) and was stored in the glove box.
[0285] Additional carboxylic acid-silicone ligands such as those
shown in FIG. 20g and disclosed throughout the present
specification, can be prepared using a procedure similar to that
above.
Analysis of
HO.sub.2C(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0286] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.10, 0.13, 0.14
(s, SiMe), 0.52, 1.39, 1.67 (m, CH2), 2.35 (t, 2H, CH.sub.2).
[0287] .sup.13C{.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 1.5,
2.0, 2.0 (s, SiMe), 18.1, 23.1, 28.5, 34.1 (s, CH.sub.2), 180.5 (s,
C.dbd.O).
[0288] .sup.29Si{.sup.1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3/Et.sub.3N, 0.02 M
Cr(acac).sub.3, .delta.): -20.9, 7.1 (s, 1:2).
[0289] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1050 s (Si--O--Si), 1700 m
(C.dbd.O), 3030 w (CH aromatic), 2956 sh, 2928 s, 2854 m (CH
aliphatic), 3400 to 2700 v br (acid).
[0290] Mass Spec ESI (m/z): 345 (MNa+).
Data for Synthesis and Analysis of
HO.sub.2C(CH.sub.2).sub.4SiMeO(SiMe.sub.2).sub.3 (cyclic
tetrasiloxane)
[0291] The boiling point of the anhydride/acid mixture was 95 to
110.degree. C. at a pressure of <10 mbar. The yield for
synthesis of the acid/anhydride mixture was about 64% and the
conversion to acid was 63%.
[0292] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.10, 0.12, 0.13
(s, SiMe), 0.48, 1.39, 1.65 (m, 21-1, CH.sub.2), 2.35 (t, 211,
CH.sub.2).
[0293] .sup.13C{.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.1,
1.9, 2.0 (s, SiMe), 17.5, 22.9, 28.3, 34.1 (s, CH.sub.2), 180.4 (s,
C.dbd.O).
[0294] .sup.29Si{.sup.1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3/Et.sub.3N, 0.02 M
Cr(acac).sub.3, .delta.): -20.3, -19.1, -19.0 (s, 1:2:1).
[0295] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1050 s (Si--O--Si), 1700 m
(C.dbd.O), 3030 w (CH aromatic), 2956 sh, 2928 s, 2854 m (CH
aliphatic), 3400 to 2700 v br (acid).
Data for Synthesis and Analysis of
HO.sub.2C(CH.sub.2).sub.4SiMe(OSiMe.sub.3).sub.2
[0296] The boiling point of the anhydride/acid mixture was 78 to
95.degree. C. at a pressure of <10 mbar. The yield for synthesis
of the acid/anhydride mixture was 63% and the conversion to acid
was 62%.
[0297] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.10, 0.12, 0.13
(s, SiMe), 0.53, 1.43, 1.68 (m, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.35 (t, 2H,
CH.sub.2).
[0298] .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.9,
1.0 (s, SiMe), 16.9, 22.7, 28.1, 34.0 (s, CH.sub.2), 180.0 (s,
C.dbd.O).
[0299] .sup.29Si {.sup.1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3/Et.sub.3N, 0.02 M
Cr(acac).sub.3, .delta.): -22.0, -7.1, (s, 1:2).
[0300] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1050 s (Si--O--Si), 1700 m
(C.dbd.O), 3030 w (CH aromatic), 2956 sh, 2928 s, 2854 m (CH
aliphatic), 3400 to 2700 v br (acid).
[0301] Mass Spec ESI TOF 381 (MH+) and ESI TOF 379 (M-H).
Example 4
Phosphonic Acid--Silicone Ligand Synthesis
[0302] General Synthesis Procedure
[0303] Synthesis of
(EtO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0304] In a glove box, Karstedt's catalyst (0.450 g solution, 0.052
mmol) was added to a 250 mL Schlenk flask. On the Schlenk line,
THF, 100 mL, was added and followed by 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyl
trisiloxane (14.0 mL, 11.5 g, 51.8 mmol) by syringe over about 90
seconds. The clear colorless solution turned clear green in about
30 seconds. The reaction solution was stirred for about 15 minutes
before addition of diethyl 3-butenyl phosphonate (10.0 mL, 9.95 g,
51.8 mmol) by syringe over about 90 seconds. The reaction solution
then slowly turned light brown and produced a small amount of heat.
After about 2 hours, the reaction flask was surrounded by a
thermostat controlled water bath that was heated to 35.degree. C.
The reaction solution was heated overnight.
[0305] The volatiles were removed from the clear brown solution by
rotational evaporator leaving an opaque brown oil. A column was
packed with silica (230-400 mesh) in hexanes that was 30 mm in
diameter and 150 mm long. After placing the crude product on the
column, the column was eluted with hexane, 250 mL, followed by a
mixed solvent of 1:1 ratio of ethyl acetate to hexane, 1500 mL. The
elutant was collected in one fraction. Next the volatiles were then
removed by rotational evaporator leaving a light brown oil. The
product was then distilled using a simple distillation at pressure
of <20 mtorr and pot temperature of 120.degree. C. The product
was a clear colorless oil (17.6 g, 42.5 mmol, 82.1% yield).
[0306] Additional phosphoric acid-silicone ligands such as those
shown in FIGS. 20a, 20j and 20n and disclosed throughout the
present specification can be prepared using a procedure similar to
that above.
Analysis of
(EtO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0307] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.00 (s, 6H,
SiMe), 0.05 (s, 6H, SiMe), 0.07 (s, 9H, SiMe), 0.53, 1.39, 1.60,
1.70 (m, 2H, CH.sub.2), 1.30 (t, 6H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 4.06 (m,
4H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).
[0308] .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.34,
1.46, 2.01 (s, SiMe), 16.68, 61.52 (d, JP-C=6 Hz,
CH.sub.2CH.sub.3O), 18.05 (s, CH.sub.2), 24.62 (d, JP-C=18 Hz,
CH.sub.2), 26.19 (d, JP-C=5 Hz, CH.sub.2), 25.69 (d, JP-C=140 Hz,
CH.sub.2P).
[0309] .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.):
32.
[0310] .sup.29Si{.sup.1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3, 0.02 M Cr(acac).sub.3,
.delta.): -22.00, 7.12 (s, 1:2). IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1030 (s,
Si--O--Si), 1260 (m, Si-Me), 1380, 1400 1430 (w, Et--O--P).
Data for Synthesis and Analysis of
(EtO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4SiMe(OSiMe.sub.3).sub.2
[0311] The pot was heated to 120.degree. C. at a pressure of <20
mtorr to distill the product as a clear colorless oil in 81%
yield.
[0312] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.32 (s, 3H,
SiMe), 0.06 (s, 18H, SiMe), 0.44, 1.37, 1.60, 1.70 (m, 2H,
CH.sub.2), 1.30 (t, 6H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 4.08 (m, 4H,
CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).
[0313] .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.15,
2.01 (s, SiMe), 16.65, 61.49 (d, JP-C=6 Hz, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3O),
17.38 (s, CH.sub.2), 24.48 (d, JP-C=18 Hz, CH.sub.2), 25.97 (d,
JP-C=5 Hz, CH.sub.2), 25.71 (d, JP-C=140 Hz, CH.sub.2P).
[0314] .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.):
33.
[0315] .sup.29Si {.sup.1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3, 0.02 M Cr(acac).sub.3,
.delta.): -17.96, 9.94, 10.00 (s, 1:1:1).
[0316] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1030 (s, Si--O--Si), 1250 (m,
Si-Me), 1380, 1400, 1430 (w, Et--O--P).
Data for Synthesis and Analysis of
(EtO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4SiMeO(SiMe.sub.2).sub.3 (Cyclic
Tetrasiloxane)
[0317] For the distillation the vapor temperature was 84 to
96.degree. C. at a pressure of <10 mtorr. The product was
isolated as a clear colorless oil in 44% yield.
[0318] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.50, 0.70 (s,
21H total, SiMe), 0.51 1.41, 1.61, 1.69 (m, 2H each, CH.sub.2),
1.30 (t, 6H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3), 4.08 (m, 4H, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3).
[0319] .sup.13C {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.57,
0.91, 0.94 (s, SiMe), 16.66, 61.50 (d, JP-C=6 Hz,
CH.sub.2CH.sub.3O), 16.86 (s, CH.sub.2), 24.29 (d, JP-C=18 Hz,
CH.sub.2), 25.88 (d, JP-C=5 Hz, CH.sub.2), 25.70 (d, JP-C=140 Hz,
CH.sub.2P).
[0320] .sup.31P {.sup.1H} NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.):
33.
[0321] .sup.29Si{1H} (1:1 CDCl.sub.3, 0.02 M Cr(acac).sub.3,
.delta.): -20.39, -19.17, -19.08 (s, 1:2:1).
[0322] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1015, 1050 (s, Si--O--Si), 1250 (m,
Si-Me), 1380, 1400, 1430 (w, Et--O--P).
General Synthesis Procedure for the Phosphoric Acid,
(HO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0323] In a 50 mL Schlenk flask, CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, 15 mL, was added
followed by
(EtO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3 (1.00
g, 2.42 mmol) and the solution stirred until homogenous. Then
trimethylsilyl bromide (0.671 mL, 0.778 g, 5.08 mmol) was added and
the solution was stirred for 15 minutes.
[0324] The volatiles were removed by vacuum transfer and 10.0 mL of
methanol was added followed by 0.25 mL of water. After stirring for
30 minutes, the volatiles were removed by vacuum transfer and 10.0
mL of toluene was added and the solution was stirred for 1 minute.
The volatiles were removed by vacuum transfer and 10 ml of toluene
was added, the solution stirred and the volatiles removed again, as
before. The product was a slightly cloudy viscous oil.
Analysis of
(HO).sub.2P(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.4(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.2SiMe.sub.3
[0325] ESI (m/z): 359 (MH+) and 381 (MNa+).
Example 5
Synthesis of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acid Ligands
Synthesis of Di-Aliphatic (C18) Mono-Succinic Acid Ligand
[0326] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
25 Panel A.
[0327] General Methods
[0328] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene was dried with an M
Braun solvent system that incorporated molecular sieves and alumina
as drying agents. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by stirring with
anhydrous calcium (II) sulfate (Drierite) for 7 days then distilled
`trap-to-trap`. Chloroform and dichloromethane were purchased from
Fisher Chemical and used as received. Octadecyl lithium was
purchased from FMC Lithium, stored in the refrigerator and assayed
by titration against biphenylmethanol before use. Allyl succinic
anhydride was purchased from TCI America, distilled and stored
using Schlenk technique until used. Dichloro methyl silane and
dimethyl chloro silane were purchased from Acros Organics and
transferred by cannula to a storage flask before use. Karstedt's
catalyst precursor, or platinum divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane
complex 2.1 to 2.4% in xylenes--low color, was purchased from
Gelest, stored in the glove box and used without further
purification. Silica gel 60 (230-400 mesh) was purchased from EM
Science and used as received. Phosphorous pentoxide was purchased
from Fisher Chemical and used as received. Activated carbon
(coconut shell) and 4 A Molecular Sieves were purchased from
Aldrich and used as received. NMR chemical shift data was recorded
with a Bruker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were
referenced using proton impurities in the deuterium solvent.
Silicone formula weight was determined by comparison of end-group
to repeat unit integration using .sup.1H NMR using a post
acquisition delay (d1) of at least 60 seconds for accuracy. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
Synthesis of 251
[0329] To a 500 mL Schlenk flask was added toluene (200 mL) and
methyl dichloro silane (3.93 mL, 3.25 g, 28.2 mmoles). The solution
was stirred at room temperature and octadecyl lithium (160 mL, 56.5
mmoles, 0.353 M in toluene) added by syringe over 10 minutes.
During the addition the reaction solution turned from clear
colorless to opaque white. About 30 minutes after the addition,
toluene (100 mL) was added and the reaction solution was heated
with thermostat controlled water bath to 50.degree. C. It was held
at this temperature for 4 h, then the heat was turned off and the
reaction solution cooled to room temperature overnight. Then the
reaction solution was filtered with a filter tip cannula
(Fisherbrand P5 with particle retention of 5 to 10 .mu.m) and the
volatiles removed by rotational evaporator which left an opaque
colorless oil. The residue was dissolved in hexane (250 mL) and
filtered again with filter tip canula. Then the volatiles were
removed by vacuum transfer to leave a clear colorless oil, 14.5 g,
26.4 mmoles, 93.5% yield.
[0330] It is worth noting that this reaction also works with a less
expensive Grignard reagent. With the Grignard reagent, however, the
reaction solution is heated for 2 days for completion and the
product is washed thoroughly to remove the magnesium halide
salts.
[0331] Analysis of 251
[0332] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.20, 0.3 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 3H), 0.57 (m, CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 4H),
0.88 (t, CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 6H), 1.30 (m,
CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 64H), 3.75 (m, Si--H, 1H).
[0333] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 2108 m (Si--H), 2852 s, 2917 s,
2958 m (sp.sup.3 C--H).
Synthesis of 252 and 253 (Compound 42)
[0334] To a 250 mL Schlenk flask was added toluene (80 mL) and
silane 251 (7.00 g, 12.7 mmoles) that produced a clear colorless
reaction solution with stirring. The reaction solution was heated
to 80 C using a thermostat controlled oil bath. Then allyl succinic
anhydride (1.78 g, 12.7 mmoles) was added followed by Karstedt's
catalyst precursor (11.3 mg of 2.2 wt % solution, 0.0013 mmol or
0.0001 eq Pt metal). After about 1 h, a sample of the reaction
solution was prepared for analysis by removal of the volatiles. IR
analysis showed a large Si--H absorbance without an anhydride or
vinyl absorbance, indicating that allyl succinic anhydride had
probably been removed during sample preparation via azeotropic
distillation with toluene. Additionally, that the reaction had not
initiated was confirmed by .sup.1H NMR. Another 0.0001 eq of
Karstedt's catalyst precursor (low color) was added and the
progress of the reaction monitored by IR using the Si--H absorbance
to indicate consumption of silane starting material. This cycle was
repeated about every 90 minutes, i.e. catalyst addition followed in
90 minutes by analysis, until the reaction had initiated.
Initiation occurred in about a day and a half when the color of the
reaction solution abruptly changed from clear yellow to clear
brown. Sampling followed by IR analysis indicated that the Si--H
absorbance was replaced by two succinic anhydride C.dbd.O
absorbances (symmetrical and asymmetrical stretches). Following
initiation, the reaction solution was heated about 90 minutes to
insure complete conversion of starting material. The progress of
the reaction was monitored by .sup.1H NMR analysis using the
disappearance of the vinyl resonances and Si--H peak and the
appearance of a multiplet for the methylene on the propyl chain
bonded to the silicone.
[0335] To work up the reaction, the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil dissolved
in chloroform (300 mL). Then 2 g of activated carbon was added and
the solution stirred overnight in air. The solution was filtered
through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula equipped
with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10 um) and
the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a turbid
light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in chloroform
(200 mL) and sent through a 0.45 um nylon syringe filter. The
complete de-colorization procedure (with activated carbon and
syringe filter etc) was performed twice. The volatiles were removed
to leave clear light brown oily anhydride 252 (.about.8 g) which
was dissolved in chloroform (200 mL) and combined with silica gel
60 (11 g). The volatiles were removed on a roto-evaporator and the
dry powder that was isolated was transferred to a chromatography
column (55 mm in diameter and 200 mm long). The column was eluted
with 500 mL toluene and then the product 253 was eluted with 500 mL
of ethyl acetate (20%)/toluene (80%). Removal of the volatiles gave
1.30 g, 1.80 mmoles, 14.4% yield of white waxy dicarboxylic acid
253.
[0336] Analysis of 252
[0337] .sup.1H NMR (CDCL.sub.3, .delta.): --0.06 (s, SiCH.sub.3),
0.50, 0.57 (br m, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3) and
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 0.88 (t,
CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3), 1.26 (br m,
CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3 and
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 1.67 and
1.96 (d-m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 2.70,
3.1 (d-m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 3.3 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O).
[0338] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1781 and 1863 s (C.dbd.O).
[0339] Analysis of 253
[0340] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.08 (s,
SiCH.sub.3, 3H), 0.49 (m, CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3),
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 6H), 0.89
(t, CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 6H), 1.26 (m,
CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 64H), 1.63 (d-m, J.sub.HH=68 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 4H), 2.43
(d-m, J.sub.HH=99 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 4H), 2.81
(d-m, J.sub.HH=64 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 4H), 2.96
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 1 H),
12.21 (m, CO.sub.2H, 2H).
[0341] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1703 s (acid C.dbd.O), 2852 m, 2917
m, 2954 w, (sp.sup.3 C--H), 2500 to 3500 broad m (acid OH).
Synthesis of Mono-Aliphatic (C18) Succinic Acid Ligand
[0342] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
25 Panel B. Substitution of dimethyl chloro silane for methyl
dichloro silane into the synthesis above produced the mono
aliphatic (C18) monosuccinic acid ligand (compound 41), as
schematically illustrated in FIG. 25 Panel B. The reactions were
performed analogously to the synthesis of other ligands. Analysis
of the intermediates and products are below. Synthesis of 254
resulted in 14.7 g, 20.3 mmoles, 91.9% yield; of 255, 12.8 g, 28.0
mmoles, 87.7% yield; of 256, 4.00 g, 8.50 mmoles, 30.3% yield.
[0343] Analysis of 254
[0344] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.08 (s, SiCH.sub.3,
3H), 0.62 (m, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 2 H), 0.89 (t,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 3H), 1.30 (s,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 32H), 3.89 (m, Si--H, 1H).
[0345] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 2112 m (Si--H), 2852s, 2921 s, 2958
sh (sp.sup.3 C--H).
[0346] Analysis of 255
[0347] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.01 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 6H), 0.55, 0.57 (m, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3
and SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 4
.mu.l), 0.88 (t, CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3), 1.29 (m,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 32H), 1.50 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 2H), 1.84
(d-m, J.sub.HH=64 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 2H), 3.03
(d-m, J.sub.HH=127 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 211),
3.34 (m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O),
1H).
[0348] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1781 s, 1963 m (anhydride C.dbd.O
symm. and asymm.), 2852 s, 2917 s, 2958 sh (sp.sup.3 C--H).
[0349] Analysis of 256
[0350] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.2 (s, SiCH.sub.3,
6H), 0.54, 0.55 (m, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 4H), 0.88
(t, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 3 H), 1.29 (m,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 32H), 1.40 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 2H), 1.64
(d-m, J.sub.HH=40 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 2H), 2.55
(d-m, J.sub.HH=80 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 2H), 2.82
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H, 1 H),
10.69 (m, CO.sub.2H, 2H).
[0351] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1691 s (acid C.dbd.O), 2852 s, 2917
s, 2954 sh (sp.sup.3 C--H), 2500 to 3500 (CO.sub.2H).
Synthesis of Aliphatic (C18) Two-Tail Poly-Carboxylic Acid
Ligand
[0352] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
26.
[0353] General Methods
[0354] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene was dried in an M
Braun solvent system that incorporated molecular sieves and alumina
as drying agents. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by stirring with
anhydrous calcium (II) sulfate (Drierite) for 7 days then distilled
`trap-to-trap`. Chloroform and dichloromethane were purchased from
Fisher Chemical and used as received. Triethylamine was purchased
from Aldrich dry in sure-seal bottles and transferred by cannula
(or double tipped needle) into storage flasks until used. Allyl
succinic anhydride was purchased from TCI America, distilled and
stored using Schlenk technique until used. Dichloro methyl silane
was purchased from Acros Organics and a new, previously un-opened
bottle was used for each synthesis. Monosilanol terminated silicone
was special ordered from Gelest. Karstedt's catalyst precursor, or
platinum divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane complex 2.1 to 2.4% in
xylenes--low color, was purchased from Gelest, stored in the glove
box and used without further purification. Phosphorous pentoxide
was purchased from Fisher Chemical and used as received. Octadecyl
magnesium chloride (in THF), anhydrous diethyl ether, activated
carbon (coconut shell) and 4 A Molecular Sieves were purchased from
Aldrich and used as received. NMR chemical shift data was recorded
with a Bruker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for
.sup.13C {.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were
referenced using proton impurities in the deuterium solvent.
Silicone formula weight was determined by comparison of end-group
to repeat unit integration using .sup.1H NMR using a post
acquisition delay (d1) of at least 60 seconds for accuracy. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
Synthesis of 261
[0355] Synthesis of 261 is adapted from U.S. Pat. No. 2,381,366 to
Patnode, W. I., 1942, and Manami, H. et al. (1958) Nippon Kagaku
Zasski 79:60-65.
[0356] A 2000 mL, 3-neck round bottom flask was equipped with an
addition funnel, mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen
atmosphere. The nitrogen bubbler consisted of a piece of glass
tubing placed into a 1 L Erlenmeyer flask containing about 800 mL
of water to absorb the HCl gas generated in the reaction. To the
reaction flask was added diethyl ether (1 L) and methyl dichloro
silane (500 mL, 533 g, 4.80 moles). Water (51.9 mL, 2.88 moles, 0.6
eq) was transferred into the addition funnel. The reaction was
stirred rapidly while water was added over about 45 minutes and the
reaction solution refluxed gently during the addition. Following
the addition the reaction solution was stirred at room temperature
for about 1 h and under positive nitrogen flow the reaction flask
was re-fitted for vacuum distillation. The mechanical stirrer was
exchanged for a magnetic stirrer and the reflux condenser was
replaced with an inverted `U` tube connected to a 2 L receiver.
Also the reaction flask was fitted with a heating mantle with
temperature controller that used a thermocouple between reaction
flask and heating mantle. Then the pot was heated to 25.degree. C.
and vacuum gradually applied to the system using a Teflon lined
vacuum pump with vacuum controller (Buchi V-800). During evacuation
the receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath while the vacuum
was gradually increased to 200 mtorr. Removing the volatiles at
this stage required about 4 h and removed .about.75% of the
solution volume. Then the receiver was changed to a 1 L Schlenk
flask and product was separated from nonvolatile material by
distillation with the same apparatus (an inverted `U` tube
connected to a receiver). In this case the receiver was cooled with
liquid nitrogen while the pressure was gradually dropped to
.about.20 mtorr and the temperature of the pot was gradually
increased to 200.degree. C. That distillate was transferred by
cannula to a pot connected to a fraction cutter and the product
carefully distilled to separate the oligomeric products. On this
reaction scale a fraction cutter with 24/40 standard taper joints
is most convenient. All fractions were clear colorless oils and
were stored in the glove box. Total reaction yield was 57.8% and
the fractions are detailed below.
[0357] Fraction A, 26.5 g, n=1.38, fwt 258.1, 7.2% yield, collected
between 23 C at 125 torr to 24 C at 300 mtorr
[0358] Fraction B, 22.1 g, n=1.89, fwt 288.8, 6.2% yield, collected
between 24 C at 300 mtorr and 24 C at 180 mtorr
[0359] Fraction C, 27.5 g, n=2.73, fwt 339.9, 8.0% yield, collected
between 24 C at 180 mtorr and 25 C at 65 mtorr
[0360] Fraction D, 23.5 g, n=2.62, fwt 332.7, 6.8% yield, collected
between 25 C at 65 mtorr and 22 C at 50 mtorr
[0361] Fraction E, 37.0 g, n=3.63, fwt 393.4, 11.0% yield,
collected between 22 C at 50 mtorr and 29 C at 25 mtorr
[0362] Fraction F, 16.9 g, n=4.82, fwt 465.0, 5.1% yield, collected
between 29 C at 25 mtorr and 37 C at 25 mtorr
[0363] Fraction G, 22.8 g, n=5.39, fwt 499.3, 7.8% yield, collected
between 33 C at 25 mtorr and 30 C at 23 mtorr
[0364] Fraction H, 17.7 g, n=7.34, fwt 623.8, 5.5% yield, collected
between 30 C at 23 mtorr and 63 C at 20 mtorr
[0365] It is worth noting that the procedure can be optimized and
the yield may be increased somewhat by accurate metering of the
water addition rate by using a syringe pump or similar fluid
metering device. Additionally, the yield may be further optimized
by increasing the number of equivalents of water. It is also worth
noting that the diethyl ether removed from the reaction in the
first stage of the work-up will contain un-reacted silicon
chlorides and should be disposed of carefully, since silicon
chlorides react exothermically with water.
[0366] Analysis of 261 (Fraction A)
[0367] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.26, 0.29, 0.32 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 4.4H),
0.60, 0.65 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 6H),
4.71, 4.74 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 1.4H),
5.23 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl,
2H).
[0368] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 497 m (Si--Cl), 1066 m (Si--O--Si),
1266 m (Si-Me), 2190 m (Si--H).
Synthesis of 262
[0369] To a 500 mL Schlenk flask was added toluene (200 mL) and
dichloro polysilane 261 (15.7 g, 54.5 mmoles) that produced a clear
colorless reaction solution with stirring. The reaction solution
was immersed in a tap water bath at .about.20.degree. C. and
octadecyl magnesium chloride (218 mL, 109 mmoles, 0.50 M in THF)
was added by syringe which turned the reaction solution opaque
white. About 30 minutes after the addition a thermostat controlled
water bath was set to 50.degree. C. to warm the reaction solution
for about 6 hrs. The heat was turned off to let the reaction
solution cool to room temperature overnight. The next day the water
bath was to 50.degree. C. to heat the reaction solution for another
9 hrs. Then after cooling to room temperature overnight the
reaction solution was filtered using a filter tip canula and
Fisherbrand Q8 (particle retention 20 to 25 .mu.m). Then the white
residue was extracted with hexane (2.times.150 mL and 1.times.100
mL) and the organic phase combined. The organic phase was washed
with water (8.times.100 mL) to remove the residual Grignard
reaction salts. In the first water wash the aqueous phase turned
opaque white after mixing but by the last wash the water was clear
without any turbidity after mixing. The volatiles were removed by
vacuum transfer to leave a clear colorless oil (37.3 g, 49.5
mmoles, 90.9% yield). Proton NMR analysis gave n=1.74 for a formula
weight of 743.9 g/mole.
[0370] Analysis of 262
[0371] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.14, 0.15, 0.16,
0.19 (m, [OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3,
12H), 0.64 (m,
[OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 4H),
0.88 (t, [OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3,
6H), 1.26 (m,
[OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 64 H),
4.64 (m, [OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3,
4H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): -0.9 (m,
SiCH.sub.3), 1.2, 14.4, 17.1, 22.9, 23.1, 29.6, 29.8, 29.9, 30.0,
32.2, 33.3 (m,
[OSi(CH.sub.3)(H)].sub.xCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3).
[0372] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1054 s (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 2128 m (Si--H), 2852 s, 2917 s, 2958 m (sp3
C--H).
Synthesis of 263
[0373] To a 500 mL Schlenk flask equipped with a reflux condenser
was added polysilane 262 (15.7 g, 18.8 mmoles) and toluene (150 mL)
The reaction solution was heated to 80.degree. C. using a
thermostat controlled oil bath. Then allyl succinic anhydride (10.6
g, 75.7 mmoles, 0.80 eq/eq Si--H) was added followed by Karstedt's
catalyst precursor (6.71 mg of 2.2 wt % solution, 0.0076 mmol or
0.0001 eq Pt metal). After about 1 h, a sample of the reaction
solution was prepared for analysis by removal of the volatiles. IR
analysis showed a large Si--H absorbance without an anhydride or
vinyl absorbance, indicating that allyl succinic anhydride had
probably been removed during sample preparation via azeotropic
distillation with toluene. Additionally, that the reaction had not
initiated was confirmed by .sup.1H NMR. Another 0.0001 eq of
Karstedt's catalyst precursor (low color) was added and the
progress of the reaction monitored by IR using the Si--H absorbance
to indicate consumption of silane starting material. This cycle was
repeated about every 90 minutes, i.e. catalyst addition followed in
90 minutes by analysis, until the reaction had initiated.
Initiation occurred in about a day and a half when the color of the
reaction solution abruptly changed from clear yellow to clear
brown. Sampling followed by IR analysis indicated that the Si--H
absorbance was replaced by two succinic anhydride C.dbd.O
absorbances (symmetrical and asymmetrical stretches). Following
initiation, the reaction solution was heated about 90 minutes to
insure complete conversion of starting material. The progress of
the reaction was monitored by .sup.1H NMR analysis using the
disappearance of the vinyl resonances and Si--H peak and the
appearance of a multiplet for the methylene on the propyl chain
bonded to the silicone.
[0374] To work up the reaction, the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil dissolved
in chloroform (800 mL). Then 4.0 g of activated carbon was added
and the solution stirred overnight in air. The solution was
filtered through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula
equipped with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10
um) and the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a
turbid light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in
dichloromethane (200 mL) and sent through a 0.45 um nylon syringe
filter. The complete de-colorization procedure (with activated
carbon and syringe filter etc) was performed twice. The volatiles
were removed to leave clear very light yellow oil (25.1 g, 18.0
mmoles, 95.7% yield).
[0375] Analysis of 263
[0376] .sup.1H NMR (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 0.06, 1.0, 0.12,
0.18 (m, SiCH.sub.3, 9H), 0.56, 0.57 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O and/or
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 10H), 0.89 (t,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 6H), 1.27 (m,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 64H), 1.45 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 1.83
(d-m, J.sub.HH=92 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 2.87
(d-m, J.sub.HH=176 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 3.16
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 3H).
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): partial listing
170.4, 174.0 (m, C.dbd.O anhydride).
[0377] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1013 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1789 m, 1867 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2962 m
and 2905 w (CH aliphatic).
Synthesis of 264 (See Compound 35)
[0378] To a 1000 mL RBF in air was added polyanhydride 263 (25.1 g,
18.0 mmoles) and water (340 mL, 18.9 moles). The solution was
heated to 120.degree. C. using a heating mantle with temperature
control monitored by a thermocouple positioned between the flask
and heating mantle. The solution was stirred rapidly and a
temperature of 120.degree. C. was maintained for 90 minutes during
which time the reaction solution gradually thickened to opaque
white mousse. After cooling to room temperature the volatiles were
removed using trap to trap distillation with an inverted `U` shaped
tube to connect reaction flask and receiver. During distillation
the reaction flask was gently heated with a thermostat controlled
heating mantle (as above) to 30.degree. C. while the receiver was
cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath. The vacuum was maintained at
<30 mtorr. To remove the last traces of water the product was
placed in a desiccator with fresh phosphorous pentoxide and static
vacuum of <30 mtorr for at least 16 h. This desiccation step was
performed twice with fresh phosphorous pentoxide each time. The
product was ground into a rough white powder before the last
overnight in the desiccator. It was taken into the glove box,
weighed and transferred into vials for storage (23.9 g, 16.2
mmoles, 90.1% yield).
[0379] Analysis of 264
[0380] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.04 (br m,
SiCH.sub.3), 0.48 (br m, SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3 and
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H), 0.88 (t,
CH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3), 1.29 (m,
SiCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.16CH.sub.3, 32H), 1.70 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H), 2.45 (br
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H), 2.9 (br
m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H and
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CO.sub.2H), 11.8 (br
s, CO.sub.2H).
[0381] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1033 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1732 s (C.dbd.O), 2848, 2917 s (sp3 C--H), 2500 to
3500 broad m (carboxylic acid OH).
[0382] It will be evident that additional ligands can be prepared
using procedures similar to those above.
Example 6
Synthesis of Polycarboxylic Acid Ligands
Synthesis of Silicone Di-Carboxylic Acid (DCASi-Me)
[0383] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
27.
[0384] General Methods
[0385] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene, chloroform-d.sub.1
and toluene-d.sub.8 were dried over activated 4 A Molecular Sieves
and de-gassed by three freeze-pump-thaw cycles. Acetone-d.sub.6 was
purified by stirring with anhydrous CaSO.sub.4 (Drierite) for 7
days then distilled trap-to-trap. Chloroform was purchased from
Fisher chemical and used as received. Allylsuccinic anhydride was
purchased from TCI America, distilled and stored using Schlenk
technique. The monosilane terminated silicone was special ordered
from Gelest. Monosilane silicone formula weight was determined by
.sup.1H NMR using a post acquisition delay (d1) of at least 60
seconds for accurate integration. Karstedt's catalyst, or platinum
divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane complex 2.1 to 2.4% in xylenes--low
color, was purchased from Gelest, stored in the glove box and used
without further purification. Activated carbon was purchased from
Aldrich and used without purification. NMR chemical shift data was
recorded with a Bruker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz
for .sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts
were referenced on proton impurities in the deuterium solvent. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
Synthesis Procedure for 271 (n=8.8)
[0386] To a 1000 mL Schlenk flask with nitrogen atmosphere, reflux
condenser and thermostat controlled oil bath was added
allylsuccinic anhydride (55.0 g, 0.392 moles), toluene, 200 mL, and
monosilane terminated silicone (286 g, 0.392 moles, fwt 728.2). The
reaction solution was stirred and when the oil bath temperature
reached 80.degree. C. Karstedt's catalyst precursor was added (355
mg of 2.2 wt % solution, 0.040 mmol or 0.0001 eq Pt metal). After
about 1 h a sample of the reaction solution was prepared for
analysis by removal of the volatiles. IR analysis showed a large
Si--H absorbance without an anhydride or vinyl absorbance,
indicating that allylsuccinic anhydride had probably been removed
during sample preparation via azeotropic distillation with toluene.
Additionally, the analysis indicated the reaction had not
initiated, which was confirmed by .sup.1H NMR. Another 0.001 eq of
Karstedt's catalyst precursor was added and the progress of the
reaction monitored by IR using the Si--H absorbance to indicate
consumption of silane starting material. This cycle was repeated
about every 90 minutes, i.e. catalyst addition followed in 90
minutes by analysis, until the reaction had initiated. After about
a day and a half, the color of the reaction solution abruptly
changed from clear yellow to clear brown. Then IR analysis
indicated that the Si--H absorbance was replaced by two succinic
anhydride C.dbd.O absorbances (symmetrical and asymmetrical
stretches). About 90 minutes following the color change, complete
conversion of starting material was confirmed by .sup.1H NMR
analysis using the disappearance of the vinyl resonances and Si--H
peak as well as appearance of a multiplet for the methylene on the
propyl chain bonded to the silicone.
[0387] To work up the reaction, the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil decolorized
in two parts, each half dissolved in 800 mL chloroform. Then to
each solution activated carbon, 20 g, was added and the solutions
stirred in the air for 90 minutes. The solutions were filtered
through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula equipped
with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10 um) and
the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a turbid
light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in 300 mL of
chloroform and sent through a 0.45 um nylon syringe filter followed
by removal of volatiles to leave a clear, very light yellow oil
(280 g, 0.323 moles, 82.4% yield).
[0388] Analysis of 271 (n=8.8)
[0389] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.13 (m, SiMe,
61.9H), 0.65 (m, O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
2H), 1.56 (m, O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
2H), 1.86 (d-m, J=76 Hz,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H), 2.91 (d-q,
J.sub.H-H=148 Hz, J.sub.H-H=10 Hz,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H), 3.32
(m, O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 1H).
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} (chloroform-d.sub.1, .delta.): 1.5 (m, SiMe),
18.5, 21.7, 34.8, 34.9, 41.4 (s,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si), 175.6, 172.0 (s,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si).
[0390] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1262m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1789 m and 1867 w (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2962 m
and 2905 w (CH aliphatic).
Synthesis of 272,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)(CH.sub.2).sub.3(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.nSiMe.sub-
.3 (n=8.8) (See Compound 18)
[0391] The reaction solution was divided in half and each part
transferred into a 2000 mL RBF equipped with a reflux condenser in
air. To the reaction flask was then added water (730 mL, 40.5 moles
or 250 eq) and the solution heated to 120.degree. C. using a
heating mantle with temperature control monitored by thermocouple
positioned between the flask and heating mantle. The solution was
rapidly stirred using a mechanical stirrer as the temperature of
120.degree. C. was maintained for 90 minutes. As the reaction
proceeded the solution gradually attained the consistency of mousse
and was opaque white. After cooling to room temperature the
volatiles were removed using trap to trap distillation with an
inverted `U` shaped tube to connect reaction flask and receiver.
During distillation the reaction flask was gently heated with a
thermostat controlled heating mantle (as above) to 30.degree. C.
while the receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath and the
vacuum was maintained at <30 mtorr. Then the product was
dissolved in chloroform, 100 mL, and filtered again with 0.45 nm
syringe filter before final removal of volatiles to <30 mtorr
for a period of 4 h using dynamic vacuum. To remove the last traces
of water the product was placed in a desiccator with fresh
P.sub.4O.sub.10 and static vacuum of <30 mtorr for at least 16
h. This desiccation step was performed twice with fresh
P.sub.4O.sub.10 each time. The clear, very light yellow oil was
taken into the glove box, weighed and transferred into vials for
storage (272 g, 0.307 moles, 95.2% yield).
[0392] Analysis of
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)(CH.sub.2).sub.3(SiMe.sub.2O).sub.nSiMe.sub-
.3 (n=8.8)
[0393] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.11 (m, SiMe,
61.9H), 0.62 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H), 1.48
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H),
1.61 (d-m, J.sub.H-H=16 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H), 2.55
(d-q, J.sub.H-H=92 Hz, J.sub.H-H=10 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 2H), 2.83
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 1H),
10.71 (s, HO.sub.2C, 2H). .sup.13C {.sup.1H} (chloroform-d.sub.1,
.delta.): 1.8 (m, SiMe), 18.8, 21.6, 36.1, 36.3, 41.5 (s,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si), 173.5,
176.4 (s,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si).
[0394] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1716 m (acid C.dbd.O), 2905 m and 2962 w (CH
aliphatic), 2500 to 3300 w broad (carboxylic acid).
Synthesis of an Alkene Di-Carboxylic Acid Ligand (DDSA, Compound
44)
[0395] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
28.
[0396] General Methods
[0397] The starting anhydride (2-dodecen-1-ylsuccinic anhydride)
was purchased from Aldrich. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by
stirring with anhydrous CaSO.sub.4 (Drierite) for 7 days then
distilled trap-to-trap. NMR chemical shift data was recorded with a
Bruker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were
referenced from proton impurities in the deuterium solvent. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
[0398] Synthesis Procedure
[0399] To a 2000 mL round bottom flask equipped with mechanical
stirrer and heating mantle (thermocouple between the flask and
heating mantle) was added anhydride (100 g, 0.375 moles, a waxy
white solid) and water (337 mL, 18.7 moles) in air. The flask was
fitted with a reflux condenser and heated to 120 C using the
thermostat to control the temperature with a temperature
controller. The reaction solution was stirred rapidly giving it an
opalescent appearance initially but as heating was continued it
became opaque white and thickened a bit. After about 90 minutes at
120 C the heat was turned off and the solution cooled to room
temperature overnight. The product was isolated by removing the
water by vacuum transfer. An inverted `U` tube was used to connect
the reaction flask to a 1000 mL round bottom flask used as a
distillation receiver. The receiving flask was cooled with a dry
ice/ethanol bath and the vacuum applied to the system gradually to
avoid excessive foaming of the reaction solution. During the
distillation the reaction flask was heated to 30 C using the
thermostat controlled heating mantle. The vacuum was gradually
increased until <30 mtorr was reached to remove available water.
As the water was removed the product turned into a white solid
containing some powder. Then the product was transferred to a
crystallizing dish and the larger chunks broken up to facilitate
drying. Then last traces of water were removed at <30 mtorr in a
vacuum desiccator over P.sub.2O.sub.5 overnight under static
vacuum. The P.sub.2O.sub.5 was replaced and the process repeated
again in a desiccator producing a flocculent white powder (97.5 g,
0.343 moles, 91.4% yield).
[0400] Analysis
[0401] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.88 (m, CH.sub.3,
3H), 1.28 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2-
).sub.2CH.sub.3, 14H), 2.00 (q,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.7CH-
.sub.3, 2H), 2.28, 2.37 (d-q,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2CH-
.sub.3 2H), 2.43, 2.63 (d-m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.2CH-
.sub.3, 2H), 2.84 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.7CH-
.sub.3, 1H), 5.40, 5.51 (d-m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CHCH.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.7CH-
.sub.3, 2H), 10.75 (s, CO.sub.2H, 2H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 127, 134 (s, CH.dbd.CH), 173, 176 (s,
CO.sub.2H), (incomplete listing).
[0402] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1691 s (C.dbd.O), 2848 m, 2921 m,
2958 w (C--H aliphatic), 3019 w (C.dbd.C), 2400-3400 br w (acid
OH). It is worth noting that IR analysis is a reliable tool for
distinguishing acid from anhydride.
Synthesis of a Silicone One-Tail Poly-Carboxylic Acid Ligand
[0403] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
29.
[0404] General Methods
[0405] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene was dried over
activated 4 A Molecular Sieves and de-gassed by three
freeze-pump-thaw cycles. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by stirring
with anhydrous calcium (II) sulfate (Drierite) for 7 days then
distilled `trap-to-trap`. Chloroform and dichloromethane were
purchased from Fisher Chemical and used as received.
Dimethylformamide (DMF), triethylamine and acetonitrile were
purchased from Aldrich dry in sure-seal bottles and transferred by
cannula (double tipped needle) to storage flasks until used. Allyl
succinic anhydride was purchased from TCI America, distilled and
stored using Schlenk technique until used.
Methylhydrocyclosiloxanes (D'4) was purchased from Gelest. The
material was used as received and was a mixture of ring sizes
containing between 3 and 5 SiH(CH3)-O units with the average ring
size being 4. Dimethyl chloro silane was purchased from Aldrich,
distilled and stored in a storage flask until used. Monosilanol
terminated silicone was special ordered from Gelest. Karstedt's
catalyst precursor, or platinum divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane
complex 2.1 to 2.4% in xylenes--low color, was purchased from
Gelest, stored in the glove box and used without further
purification. Phosphorous pentoxide was purchased from Fisher
Chemical and used as received. Activated carbon (coconut shell) and
4 A Molecular Sieves were purchased from Aldrich and used as
received. NMR chemical shift data was recorded with a Broker FT NMR
at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for .sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are
listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were referenced using proton
impurities in the deuterium solvent. Silicone formula weight was
determined by comparison of end-group to repeat unit integration
using .sup.1H NMR using a post acquisition delay (d1) of at least
60 seconds for accuracy. IR analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700
FTIR standardized with polypropylene.
Synthesis of 291
[0406] Synthesis of 291 is adapted from Suzuki, Toshio et al.
(1989) Polymer 30:333-337 and Cella, James A. et al. (1994) J.
Organomet. Chem. 480:23-26.
[0407] To a 250 mL Schlenk flask on the vacuum line was added DMF
(0.651 mL, 0.017 moles), acetonitrile (15.9 mL, 0.304 moles) and
D'4 (40 g, 0.166 mol) which formed a colorless cloudy solution
initially that became clear colorless after stirring for about 3
minutes. Then dimethyl chloro silane (18.0 ml, 15.7 g, 0.166 moles)
was added and the reaction solution did not appear to generate any
heat. The reaction solution was heated to 70.degree. C. using a
thermostat controlled oil bath for about 16 h (overnight). The
product was then isolated from the reaction solution by
distillation. First the solvent was distilled with pot temperature
of 70.degree. C. which was attained by fitting the flask directly
with a short path distillation apparatus. The apparatus was not
cooled to room temperature after heating overnight but the pressure
was gradually decreased with a vacuum regulator (Buchi V-400) and
Teflon diaphragm vacuum pump. At about 120 torr the receiver was
cooled with an ice bath and when the pressure reached about 40 torr
the distillation apparatus was re-configured. The distillate was
discarded and a 14/20 (standard taper joint) fraction-cutter
distillation apparatus was set up and connected to the vacuum line
for a more efficient vacuum. The contents of the reaction flask
were transferred to the fraction cutter distillation pot by cannula
and the temperature of the oil bath (heating the pot) was dropped
to 35.degree. C. and maintained at 35.degree. C. Vacuum was applied
to the distillation apparatus and as the pressure reached about 40
torr some distillate was collected in the receiver. That distillate
evaporated as the pressure was dropped to 500 mtorr. Then below
about 300 mtorr product was collected in three fractions: fraction
A between 24.degree. C. at 310 mtorr to 27.degree. C. at 80 mtorr
(0.68 g); fraction B at 27.degree. C. at 80 mtorr to 23.degree. C.
at 45 mtorr (3.17 g); and then fraction C (1.70 g). The apparatus
was re-configured to collect fraction C. Distillate was collected
by heating the pot to 100.degree. C., the vacuum at <30 mtorr
and the pot connected directly to the receiver using an inverted
`U` tube. By .sup.1H NMR it was determined that B fraction had 4.9
repeat units (MW=389.5). Based on this molecular weight the yield
of fraction B was 5.7% (8.14 mmoles). An fractions were
clear-colorless oils and were stored in a nitrogen atmosphere.
[0408] Analysis of 291
[0409] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.24 (m,
ClSiHCH.sub.3(OSiCH.sub.3H).sub.nCH.sub.3, 17.7H), 0.61 (s,
ClSiHCH.sub.3(OSiCH.sub.3H).sub.nCH.sub.3, 3H), 4.70, 4.75 (m,
ClSiHCH.sub.3(OSiCH.sub.3H).sub.nCH.sub.3, 4.7H), 5.24 (m,
ClSiHCH.sub.3(OSiCH.sub.3H).sub.6CH.sub.3, 1H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.4, 0.7, 1.0, 1.2, 1.3, 3.6 (m,
SiMe).
[0410] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 502 m (Si--Cl), 1046 m (Si--O--Si),
1262 m (Si-Me), 2165 m (Si--H).
Synthesis of 292
[0411] To a 50 mL Schlenk flask was added toluene (20 mL) and
chloropolysilane 291 (1.00 g, 2.57 mmoles) that produced a clear
colorless reaction solution with stirring. Then the silanol (2.06
g, 2.57 mmoles) was added and in less than 15 sec triethylamine
(0.430 mL, 0.312 g, 3.08 mmoles) was added. The reaction solution
turned opaque white almost instantaneously and produced a little
white vapor but did not appear to produce any heat. As the reaction
solution was stirred for 1 h it became a bit thicker but continued
to stir freely at room temperature. After 1 h the volatiles were
removed by vacuum transfer. The white residue was extracted with
toluene (3.times.5 mL) and the filtrate transferred by filter tip
cannula (using Fisherbrand P2 filter paper with particle retention
1-5 .mu.m) to a separate Schlenk flask. Removal of the volatiles
from the filtrate by vacuum transfer produced as a clear-colorless
oil (2.07 g, 1.79 mmoles, 60.3% yield). It was taken into the glove
box and after a couple of days storage at room temperature turned
slightly cloudy. The oil was filtered again through a 0.45 .mu.m
syringe filter before the next reaction.
[0412] Analysis of 292
[0413] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.15 (m, CH.sub.3,
67H), 4.70 (m, SiH, 5.9H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 0.7, 1.27, 1.46, 2.03 (m, SiMe).
[0414] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1021 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 2165 m (Si--H).
Synthesis of 293
[0415] To a 50 mL Schlenk flask equipped with a reflux condenser
was added polysilane 292 (2.07 g, 1.79 mmoles), toluene (15 mL) and
allyl succinic anhydride (1.19 g, 8.46 mmoles). The reaction
solution was stirred and when the oil bath temperature reached
80.degree. C. Karstedt's catalyst precursor was added (7.49 mg of
2.2 wt % solution, 0.0008 mmol or 0.0001 eq Pt metal). After about
1 h, a sample of the reaction solution was prepared for analysis by
removal of the volatiles. IR analysis showed a large Si--H
absorbance without an anhydride or vinyl absorbance, indicating
that allyl succinic anhydride had probably been removed during
sample preparation via azeotropic distillation with toluene.
Additionally, that the reaction had not initiated was confirmed by
.sup.1H NMR. Another 0.0001 eq of Karstedt's catalyst precursor
(low color) was added and the progress of the reaction monitored by
IR using the Si--H absorbance to indicate consumption of silane
starting material. This cycle was repeated about every 90 minutes,
i.e. catalyst addition followed in 90 minutes by analysis, until
the reaction had initiated. Initiation occurred in about a day and
a half when the color of the reaction solution abruptly changed
from clear yellow to clear brown. Sampling followed by IR analysis
indicated that the Si--H absorbance was replaced by two succinic
anhydride C.dbd.O absorbances (symmetrical and asymmetrical
stretches). Following initiation, the reaction solution was heated
about 90 minutes to insure complete conversion of starting
material. The progress of the reaction was monitored by .sup.1H NMR
analysis using the disappearance of the vinyl resonances and Si--H
peak and the appearance of a multiplet for the methylene on the
propyl chain bonded to the silicone.
[0416] To work up the reaction the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil dissolved
in dichloromethane (100 mL). Then 5 g of activated carbon was added
and the solution stirred overnight in air. The solution was
filtered through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula
equipped with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10
um) and the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a
turbid light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in
chloroform (300 mL) and sent through a 0.45 nm nylon syringe
filter. The complete de-colorization procedure (with activated
carbon and syringe filter etc) was performed twice. The volatiles
were removed to leave clear very light yellow oil (2.19 g, 1.21
mmoles, 67.4% yield).
[0417] Analysis of 293
[0418] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.90, 0.12, 0.16 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 149H), 0.69 (m,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H), 1.58 (m,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H), 1.88 (d-m,
J.sub.HH=88 Hz, O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
12H), 3.01 (d-q, J.sub.H-H=148 Hz, J.sub.H-H=10 Hz,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H), 3.34 (m,
O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6H), 4.78 (m,
Si--H, 1H, 80% substitution). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 0.2, 0.6, 1.5, 2.0 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 17.8, 18.6, 21.6,
34.9, 41.4 (m, O.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO)(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si)
172.0, 175.6 (m, anhydride).
[0419] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1785 m, 1867 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2962 m
and 2905 w (CH aliphatic).
Synthesis of 294 (See Compound 27)
[0420] To a 100 mL RBF in air was added silicone polyanhydride 293
(2.19 g, 1.21 moles) and water (25.7 mL, 1.43 moles). The solution
was heated to 120.degree. C. using a heating mantle with
temperature control monitored by a thermocouple positioned between
the flask and heating mantle. The solution was stirred rapidly and
a temperature of 120.degree. C. was maintained for 90 minutes
during which time the reaction solution gradually thickened to
opaque white mousse. After cooling to room temperature the
volatiles were removed using trap to trap distillation with an
inverted `U` shaped tube to connect reaction flask and receiver.
During distillation the reaction flask was gently heated with a
thermostat controlled heating mantle (as above) to 30.degree. C.
while the receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath. The vacuum
was maintained at <30 mtorr. To remove the last traces of water
the product was placed in a desiccator with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide and static vacuum of <30 mtorr for at least 16 h. This
desiccation step was performed twice with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide each time. The clear, very light yellow oil was taken
into the glove box, weighed and transferred into vials for storage
(1.68 g, 0.874 mmoles, 72.2% yield).
[0421] Analysis of 294
[0422] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.70, 0.12 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 149H), 0.62 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H),
1.50 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
12H), 1.67 (d-m, J.sub.HH=32 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H), 2.4
(d-m, J.sub.HH=88 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 12H),
2.84 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
6H), 10.75 (m, HO.sub.2C, 12H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 2.0 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 18.3, 18.8, 21.6, 36.2, 36.4, 41.6
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si),
173.7, 176.9 (m, HO.sub.2C).
[0423] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1712 (C.dbd.O), 2500 to 3500 br (HO.sub.2C).
Synthesis of Silicone Two-Tail Poly-Carboxylic Acid Ligand
[0424] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
30.
[0425] General Methods
[0426] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene was dried in an M
Braun solvent system that incorporated molecular sieves and alumina
as drying agents. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by stirring with
anhydrous calcium (II) sulfate (Drierite) for 7 days then distilled
`trap-to-trap`. Chloroform and dichloromethane were purchased from
Fisher Chemical and used as received. Triethylamine was purchased
from Aldrich dry in sure-seal bottles and transferred by cannula
(or double tipped needle) into storage flasks until used. Allyl
succinic anhydride was purchased from TCI America, distilled and
stored using Schlenk technique until used. Dichloro methyl silane
was purchased from Acros Organics and a new, previously un-opened
bottle was used for each synthesis. Monosilanol terminated silicone
was special ordered from Gelest. Karstedt's catalyst precursor, or
platinum divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane complex 2.1 to 2.4% in
xylenes--low color, was purchased from Gelest, stored in the glove
box and used without further purification. Phosphorous pentoxide
was purchased from Fisher Chemical and used as received. Activated
carbon (coconut shell) and 4 A Molecular Sieves were purchased from
Aldrich and used as received. NMR chemical shift data was recorded
with a Bruker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were
referenced using proton impurities in the deuterium solvent.
Silicone formula weight was determined by comparison of end-group
to repeat unit integration using .sup.1H NMR using a post
acquisition delay (d1) of at least 60 seconds for accuracy. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
Synthesis of 301
[0427] Synthesis of 301 is adapted from U.S. Pat. No. 2,381,366 to
Patnode, W. I., 1942, and Manami, H. et al. (1958) Nippon Kagaku
Zasski 79:60-65.
[0428] A 2000 mL, 3-neck round bottom flask was equipped with an
addition funnel, mechanical stirrer, reflux condenser and nitrogen
atmosphere. The nitrogen bubbler consisted of a piece of glass
tubing placed into a 1 L Erlenmeyer flask containing about 800 mL
of water to absorb the HCl gas generated in the reaction. To the
reaction flask was added diethyl ether (1 L) and methyl dichloro
silane (500 mL, 533 g, 4.80 moles). Water (51.9 mL, 2.88 moles, 0.6
eq) was transferred into the addition funnel. The reaction was
stirred rapidly while water was added over about 45 minutes and the
reaction solution refluxed gently during the addition. Following
the addition the reaction solution was stirred at room temperature
for about 1 h and under positive nitrogen flow the reaction flask
was re-fitted for vacuum distillation. The mechanical stirrer was
exchanged for a magnetic stirrer and the reflux condenser was
replaced with an inverted `U` tube connected to a 2 L receiver.
Also the reaction flask was fitted with a heating mantle with
temperature controller that used a thermocouple between reaction
flask and heating mantle. Then the pot was heated to 25 C and
vacuum gradually applied to the system using a Teflon lined vacuum
pump with vacuum controller (Buchi V-800). During evacuation the
receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath while the vacuum was
gradually increased to 200 mtorr. Removing the volatiles at this
stage required about 4 h and removed .about.75% of the solution
volume. Then the receiver was changed to a 1 L Schlenk flask and
product was separated from nonvolatile material by distillation
with the same apparatus (an inverted `U` tube connected to a
receiver). In this case the receiver was cooled with liquid
nitrogen while the pressure was gradually dropped to .about.20
mtorr and the temperature of the pot was gradually increased to 200
C. That distillate was transferred by cannula to a pot connected to
a fraction cutter and the product carefully distilled to separate
the oligomeric products. On this reaction scale a fraction cutter
with 24/40 standard taper joints is most convenient. All fractions
were clear colorless oils and were stored in the glove box. Total
reaction yield was 57.8% and the fractions are detailed below.
[0429] Fraction A, 26.5 g, n=1.38, fwt 258.1, 7.2% yield, collected
between 23 C at 125 torr to 24 C at 300 mtorr
[0430] Fraction B, 22.1 g, n=1.89, fwt 288.8, 6.2% yield, collected
between 24 C at 300 mtorr and 24 C at 180 mtorr
[0431] Fraction C, 27.5 g, n=2.73, fwt 339.9, 8.0% yield, collected
between 24 C at 180 mtorr and 25 C at 65 mtorr
[0432] Fraction D, 23.5 g, n=2.62, fwt 332.7, 6.8% yield, collected
between 25 C at 65 mtorr and 22 C at 50 mtorr
[0433] Fraction E, 37.0 g, n=3.63, fwt 393.4, 11.0% yield,
collected between 22 C at 50 mtorr and 29 C at 25 mtorr
[0434] Fraction F, 16.9 g, n=4.82, fwt 465.0, 5.1% yield, collected
between 29 C at 25 mtorr and 37 C at 25 mtorr
[0435] Fraction G, 22.8 g, n=5.39, fwt 499.3, 7.8% yield, collected
between 33 C at 25 mtorr and 30 C at 23 mtorr
[0436] Fraction H, 17.7 g, n=7.34, fwt 623.8, 5.5% yield, collected
between 30 C at 23 mtorr and 63 C at 20 mtorr
[0437] It is worth noting that the procedure can be optimized and
the yield may be increased somewhat by accurate metering of the
water addition rate by using a syringe pump or similar fluid
metering device. Additionally, the yield may be further optimized
by increasing the number of equivalents of water. It is also worth
noting that the diethyl ether removed from the reaction in the
first stage of the work-up will contain un-reacted silicon
chlorides and should be disposed of carefully, since silicon
chlorides react exothermically with water.
[0438] Analysis of 301
[0439] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.26, 0.29, 0.32 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 4.4H),
0.60, 0.65 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 6H),
4.71, 4.74 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl, 1.4H),
5.23 (m,
ClSi(CH.sub.3)(H)O[Si(CH.sub.3)(H)O].sub.nSi(CH.sub.3)(H)Cl,
2H).
[0440] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 497 m (Si--Cl), 1066 m (Si--O--Si),
1266 m (Si-Me), 2190 m (Si--H).
Synthesis of 303
[0441] To a 250 mL Schlenk flask was added toluene (100 mL) and
dichloro polysilane 301 (5.00 g, 10.7 mmoles) that produced a clear
colorless reaction solution with stirring. Then the silanol (13.9
g, 21.5 mmoles) was added and in less than 15 sec triethylamine
(3.58 mL, 2.60 g, 25.7 mmoles) was added. The reaction solution
turned opaque white almost instantaneously and produced a little
white vapor but did not appear to produce any heat. As the reaction
solution was stirred for 5 h it became a bit thicker but continued
to stir freely at room temperature. After 18 h the reaction
solution was filtered by filter tip canula (using Fisherbrand P5
filter paper with particle retention 5-10 .mu.m) to a separate
Schlenk flask. Then hexane (120 mL) was added and the solution
filtered again using a filter tip canula with Fisherbrand P5 filter
paper to a separate Schlenk flask. The volatiles were removed by
vacuum transfer to <30 mtorr and the resulting oil filtered with
a 0.45 .mu.m syringe filter to leave clear colorless oil (15.9 g,
9.79 mmoles, 91.5% yield) that was stored in the glove box.
[0442] Analysis of 303
[0443] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.08, 0.12, 0.17,
0.22 m,
(CH.sub.3).sub.3SiO[Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2O].sub.m[Si(H)(CH.sub.3)O].sub.n+2[-
Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2O]Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3, 122H), 4.77 (m,
(CH.sub.3).sub.3SiO[Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2O].sub.m[Si(H)(CH.sub.3)O].sub.n+2[-
Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2O]Si(CH.sub.3).sub.3, 6.8H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1 (m, SiCH.sub.3).
[0444] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 2165 m (Si--H), 2966, 2909 m (sp3 C--H).
Synthesis of 305
[0445] To a 50 mL Schlenk flask equipped with a reflux condenser
was added polysilane 303 (3.73 g, 2.03 mmoles) and toluene (15 mL).
The reaction solution was heated to 80.degree. C. using a
thermostat controlled oil bath. Then allyl succinic anhydride
(0.933 g, 6.66 mmoles) was added followed by Karstedt's catalyst
precursor (5.09 mg of 2.2 wt % solution, 0.00033 mmol or 0.0001 eq
Pt metal). After about 1 h, a sample of the reaction solution was
prepared for analysis by removal of the volatiles. IR analysis
showed a large Si--H absorbance without an anhydride or vinyl
absorbance, indicating that allyl succinic anhydride had probably
been removed during sample preparation via azeotropic distillation
with toluene. Additionally, that the reaction had not initiated was
confirmed by .sup.1H NMR. Another 0.0001 eq of Karstedt's catalyst
precursor (low color) was added and the progress of the reaction
monitored by IR using the Si--H absorbance to indicate consumption
of silane starting material. This cycle was repeated about every 90
minutes, i.e. catalyst addition followed in 90 minutes by analysis,
until the reaction had initiated. Initiation occurred in about a
day and a half when the color of the reaction solution abruptly
changed from clear yellow to clear brown. Sampling followed by IR
analysis indicated that the Si--H absorbance was replaced by two
succinic anhydride C.dbd.O absorbances (symmetrical and
asymmetrical stretches). Following initiation, the reaction
solution was heated about 90 minutes to insure complete conversion
of starting material. The progress of the reaction was monitored by
.sup.1H NMR analysis using the disappearance of the vinyl
resonances and Si--H peak and the appearance of a multiplet for the
methylene on the propyl chain bonded to the silicone.
[0446] To work up the reaction the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil dissolved
in dichloromethane (200 mL). Then 5 g of activated carbon was added
and the solution stirred overnight in air. The solution was
filtered through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula
equipped with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10
um) and the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a
turbid light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in
dichloromethane (200 mL) and sent through a 0.45 nm nylon syringe
filter. The complete de-colorization procedure (with activated
carbon and syringe filter etc) was performed twice. The volatiles
were removed to leave clear very light yellow oil (3.41 g, 1.49
mmoles, 73.3% yield).
[0447] Analysis of 305
[0448] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.90, 0.13, 0.15 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 122H), 0.68 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 1.60
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H),
1.87 (d-m, J.sub.HH=76 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 3.00
(d-m, J.sub.HH=159 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 3.33
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 4H),
4.97 (m, Si--H, 80% substitution). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.14, 0.8, 1.5, 2.0 (m, SiCH.sub.3),
17.9, 21.5, 34.8, 34.9, 41.4 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 171.9,
175.6 (m, C.dbd.O anhydride).
[0449] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1013 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1789 m, 1867 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2962 m
and 2905 w (CH aliphatic).
Synthesis of 307 (See Compound 33)
[0450] To a 100 mL RBF in air was added silicone polyanhydride 305
(3.41 g, 1.49 mmoles) and water (25.7 mL, 1.53 moles). The solution
was heated to 120.degree. C. using a heating mantle with
temperature control monitored by a thermocouple positioned between
the flask and heating mantle. The solution was stirred rapidly and
a temperature of 120.degree. C. was maintained for 90 minutes
during which time the reaction solution gradually thickened to
opaque white mousse. After cooling to room temperature the
volatiles were removed using trap to trap distillation with an
inverted `U` shaped tube to connect reaction flask and receiver.
During distillation the reaction flask was gently heated with a
thermostat controlled heating mantle (as above) to 30.degree. C.
while the receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath. The vacuum
was maintained at <30 mtorr. To remove the last traces of water
the product was placed in a desiccator with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide and static vacuum of <30 mtorr for at least 16 h. This
desiccation step was performed twice with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide each time. The clear, very light yellow oil was taken
into the glove box, weighed and transferred into vials for storage
(3.18 g, 1.34 mmoles, 90.2% yield).
[0451] Analysis of 307
[0452] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.80, 0.12 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 122H), 0.63 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 8H), 1.50
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 8 H),
1.67 (d-m, J.sub.HH=32 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 8H), 2.53
(d-m, J.sub.HH=88 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 8H), 2.84
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6H),
10.73 (m, HO.sub.2C, 12H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 1.5, 2.0 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 18.2, 21.4, 36.2, 36.3, 41.6
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si),
173.6, 176.7 (m, HO.sub.2C).
[0453] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1017 s (Si--O--Si), 1262 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1716 (C.dbd.O), 2500 to 3500 br (HO.sub.2C).
Synthesis of Silicone Two-Tail Poly-Carboxylic Acid Ligand with
Random Silicone Backbones
[0454] Synthesis of the ligand is schematically illustrated in FIG.
31 Panel A.
[0455] General Methods
[0456] All manipulations were carried out with strict exclusion of
air and moisture by using Schlenk technique under an atmosphere of
dry nitrogen, unless otherwise stated. Toluene was dried in an M
Braun solvent system that incorporated molecular sieves and alumina
as drying agents. Acetone-d.sub.6 was purified by stirring with
anhydrous calcium (II) sulfate (Drierite) for 7 days then distilled
`trap-to-trap`. Chloroform and dichloromethane were purchased from
Fisher Chemical and used as received. Allyl succinic anhydride was
purchased from TCI America, distilled and stored using Schlenk
technique until used. Polyhydride silicones 311, 314 and 317 were
purchased from Gelest. Karstedt's catalyst precursor, or platinum
divinyl tetramethyl disiloxane complex 2.1 to 2.4% in xylenes--low
color, was purchased from Gelest, stored in the glove box and used
without further purification. Phosphorous pentoxide was purchased
from Fisher Chemical and used as received. Activated carbon
(coconut shell) and 4 A Molecular Sieves were purchased from
Aldrich and used as received. NMR chemical shift data was recorded
with a Broker FT NMR at 400 MHz for .sup.1H and 100 MHz for
.sup.13C{.sup.1H} and are listed in ppm. NMR chemical shifts were
referenced using proton impurities in the deuterium solvent.
Silicone formula weight was determined by comparison of end-group
to repeat unit integration using .sup.1H NMR using a post
acquisition delay (d1) of at least 60 seconds for accuracy. IR
analysis was recorded on a Nicolet 6700 FTIR standardized with
polypropylene.
Synthesis of 312
[0457] To a 50 mL Schlenk flask equipped with a reflux condenser
was added polysilane 311 (6.69 g, 6.69 mmoles) and toluene (10 mL).
The reaction solution was heated to 80.degree. C. using a
thermostat controlled oil bath. Then allyl succinic anhydride (3.00
g, 21.4 mmoles) was added followed by Karstedt's catalyst precursor
(19 mg of 2.2 wt % solution, 0.00214 mmol or 0.0001 eq Pt metal).
After about 1 h, a sample of the reaction solution was prepared for
analysis by removal of the volatiles. IR analysis showed a large
Si--H absorbance without an anhydride or vinyl absorbance,
indicating that allyl succinic anhydride had probably been removed
during sample preparation via azeotropic distillation with toluene.
Additionally, that the reaction had not initiated was confirmed by
.sup.1H NMR. Another 0.0001 eq of Karstedt's catalyst precursor
(low color) was added and the progress of the reaction monitored by
IR using the Si--H absorbance to indicate consumption of silane
starting material. This cycle was repeated about every 90 minutes,
i.e. catalyst addition followed in 90 minutes by analysis, until
the reaction had initiated. Initiation occurred in about a day and
a half when the color of the reaction solution abruptly changed
from clear yellow to clear brown. Sampling followed by IR analysis
indicated that the Si--H absorbance was replaced by two succinic
anhydride C.dbd.O absorbances (symmetrical and asymmetrical
stretches). Following initiation, the reaction solution was heated
about 90 minutes to insure complete conversion of starting
material. The progress of the reaction was monitored by .sup.1H NMR
analysis using the disappearance of the vinyl resonances and Si--H
peak and the appearance of a multiplet for the methylene on the
propyl chain bonded to the silicone.
[0458] To work up the reaction the volatiles were removed by
rotational evaporator and the resulting clear brown oil dissolved
in dichloromethane (300 mL). Then 5 g of activated carbon was added
and the solution stirred overnight in air. The solution was
filtered through a coarse filter followed by a filter tip cannula
equipped with Fisherbrand P5 filter paper (particle retention 5-10
um) and the volatiles removed by rotational evaporator leaving a
turbid light yellow-gray oil. The product was then dissolved in
dichloromethane (200 mL) and sent through a 0.45 nm nylon syringe
filter. The complete de-colorization procedure (with activated
carbon and syringe filter etc) was performed twice. The volatiles
were removed to leave clear very light yellow oil (8.22 g, 5.67
mmoles, 84.7% yield).
[0459] Analysis of 312
[0460] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.15 (m, SiCH.sub.3,
78H), 0.66 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 1.79
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H),
1.89 (d-m, J.sub.HH=83 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 3.02
(d-m, J.sub.HH=155 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 6H), 3.34
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 3H),
4.75 (m, Si--H, 80% substitution). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 1.5, 2.0, (m, SiCH.sub.3), 17.8, 21.6,
34.8, 34.9, 41.4 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 171.9,
175.6 (m, C.dbd.O anhydride).
[0461] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1013 s (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1785 m, 1867 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2153 w
(Si--H), 2962 m (sp.sup.3 C--H).
Synthesis of 313 (See Compound 37)
[0462] To a 100 mL RBF in air was added silicone polyanhydride 312
(8.22 g, 5.67 mmoles) and water (81.6 mL, 5.34 moles). The solution
was heated to 120.degree. C. using a heating mantle with
temperature control monitored by a thermocouple positioned between
the flask and heating mantle. The solution was stirred rapidly and
a temperature of 120.degree. C. was maintained for 90 minutes
during which time the reaction solution gradually thickened to
opaque white mousse. After cooling to room temperature the
volatiles were removed using trap to trap distillation with an
inverted `U` shaped tube to connect reaction flask and receiver.
During distillation the reaction flask was gently heated with a
thermostat controlled heating mantle (as above) to 30.degree. C.
while the receiver was cooled in a dry ice/ethanol bath. The vacuum
was maintained at <30 mtorr. To remove the last traces of water
the product was placed in a desiccator with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide and static vacuum of <30 mtorr for at least 16 h. This
desiccation step was performed twice with fresh phosphorous
pentoxide each time. The clear, very light yellow oil was taken
into the glove box, weighed and transferred into vials for storage
(7.95 g, 5.39 mmoles, 95.1% yield).
[0463] Analysis of 313
[0464] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.10, 0.13 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 78H), 0.62 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6H), 1.50
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6 H),
1.68 (d-m, J.sub.HH=46 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6H), 2.58
(d-m, J.sub.HH=82 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 6H), 2.83
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 3H),
10.77 (m, HO.sub.2C, 12H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 1.5, 2.0 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 18.2, 21.4, 36.2, 36.3, 41.6
(m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si),
173.6, 176.8 (m, HO.sub.2C).
[0465] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1009 s (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1712 (C.dbd.O), 2157 w, (Si--H), 2500 to 3500 br
(HO.sub.2C).
[0466] Another random backbone silicone poly-carboxylic acid, with
m=4 and n=75, was synthesized using similar techniques.
[0467] Other silicone poly-carboxylic acid ligands were synthesized
analogously, e.g., as schematically illustrated in FIG. 31 Panels B
and C. Their analyses are provided below. Synthesis of 318 resulted
in 5.37 g, 2.82 mmoles, 74.0% yield; of 319, 5.33 g, 2.66 mmoles,
94.4% yield.
[0468] Analysis of 315
[0469] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-4, 5): 0.21 (m, SiCH.sub.3, 93H), 0.70
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 40H),
1.60 (m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O,
40H), 1.88 (d-m, J.sub.HH=70 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 40H),
3.04 (d-m, J.sub.HH=163 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 40H),
3.34 (m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O,
20H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.3 (m,
SiCH.sub.3), 18.1, 21.6, 34.9, 41.4 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 172.0,
175.8 (m, C.dbd.O anhydride).
[0470] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1009 s, 1054 sh (Si--O--Si), 1258 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1777 m, 1859 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2154 w
(Si--H), 2868 w, 2929 m (sp.sup.3 C--H).
[0471] Analysis of 316 (See Compound 29)
[0472] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.10, 0.16 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 93H), 0.62 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
1.50 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
40H), 1.68 (d-m, J.sub.HH=25 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
2.60 (d-m, J.sub.HH=90 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
2.85 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
20H), 10.87 (m, HO.sub.2C, 40H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.6, 0.3 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 17.7, 18.3,
21.4, 36.3, 41.7 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si), 174.6,
178.3 (m, HO.sub.2C).
[0473] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1008 s, 1082 sh (Si--O--Si), 1254 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1695 (C.dbd.O), 2872 w, 2933 w (sp.sup.3 C--H),
2500 to 3500 br (HO.sub.2C).
[0474] Analysis of 318
[0475] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.13, 0.14, 0.15,
0.23 (m, SiCH.sub.3, 42H), 0.64 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 1.45
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H),
1.76 (d-m, J.sub.HH=73 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 2.91
(d-m, J.sub.HH=144 Hz,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 8H), 3.23
(m, SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O, 4H),
7.43, 7.61, 7.67 (m, Ph, 25H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H} (acetone-d.sub.6,
.delta.): 0.4, 0.5, 0.9, 2.2 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 18.4, 21.7, 34.8,
34.9, 41.4 (m,
SiCH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C(H)(C.dbd.O)(CH.sub.2)C.dbd.O), 171.9,
175.6 (m, C.dbd.O anhydride).
[0476] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1037 s, 1131 sh (Si--O--Si), 1254 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1781 m, 1867 w, (C.dbd.O, sym. and asym.), 2133 w
(Si--H), 2864 w, 2958 m (sp.sup.3 C--H), 3011w, 3052 w, 3077 w
(phenyl).
[0477] Analysis of 319 (See Compound 31)
[0478] .sup.1H NMR (acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): 0.10, 0.16 (m,
SiCH.sub.3, 93H), 0.62 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
1.50 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
40H), 1.68 (d-m, J.sub.HH=25 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
2.60 (d-m, J.sub.HH=90 Hz,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si, 40H),
2.85 (m, HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si,
20H), 10.87 (m, HO.sub.2C, 40H). .sup.13C{.sup.1H}
(acetone-d.sub.6, .delta.): -0.6, 0.3 (m, SiCH.sub.3), 17.7, 18.3,
21.4, 36.3, 41.7 (m,
HO.sub.2CCH.sub.2CH(CO.sub.2H)CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2Si), 174.6,
178.3 (m, HO.sub.2C).
[0479] IR (cm.sup.-1, diamond): 1008 s, 1082 sh (Si--O--Si), 1254 m
(Si--CH.sub.3), 1695 (C.dbd.O), 2872 w, 2933 w (sp.sup.3 C--H),
2500 to 3500 br (HO.sub.2C).
[0480] It will be evident that additional ligands can be prepared
using procedures similar to those above.
Example 7
Synthesis of Highly Luminescent InP Nanocrystals
[0481] A. InP Nanocrystals with Green Emission .lamda..about.530
nm
[0482] Chemicals: Indium(III) acetate, Aldrich 99.99%;
Tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine (TMS.sub.3P), Strem 98+%; Laurie acid
(LA), Aldrich 99.5+%; Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), Aldrich 99%;
Trioctylphosphine (TOP), Aldrich, purified.
[0483] For preparing 580 mg (supposing 100% production yield):
[0484] A1. Prepare a growth solution (Growth A1) comprised of the
following chemicals in air and place it in a 100 ml 3-neck
flask.
Growth A1
[0485] 2.33 g indium acetate
4 g TOPO
4.8 g LA
[0486] A2. Connect the flask with a straight condenser on Schlenk
line. Use septa to stop the two side-necks of the flask.
[0487] A3. Evacuate the flask and then purge it with N.sub.2.
Repeat this step for 3 times.
[0488] A4. Heat the solution to 160.degree. C. and keep this
temperature for 40 min under evacuation.
[0489] A5. Increase the temperature to 250.degree. C. and keep this
temperature for 20 min, keep evacuating the system.
[0490] A6. Refill the system with N.sub.2 and set temperature to
300.degree. C.
[0491] A7. Prepare a stock solution (Stock A1) containing the
following chemicals in the glovebox. Place the mixture in a 20 ml
vial and stop it with a septum.
Stock A1
[0492] 1 g tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine
3 g TOP
[0493] A8. Nucleation: When the temperature of the growth solution
in the flask reaches 300.degree. C., the room temperature stock
solution is loaded into a 10 ml glass syringe (with gauge 12, 2 in.
needle), and injected into the flask swiftly. Upon injection,
temperature should drop to .about.250.degree. C. and this
temperature is maintained for the entire growth process.
[0494] A9. Growth: In order to prepare small dots (.about.1-2 nm,
with green emission), the reaction is stopped by removing the
heater 1 min after the injection. Maintaining good stirring is
essential for size distribution control.
[0495] A10. Monitor the reaction using UV-Vis absorption
spectroscopy.
[0496] A11. After cooling down, transfer the flask into the
glovebox under the protection of N.sub.2. Move the product to a 20
ml vial (with essential amount of toluene to wash off the crystals
in the flask).
[0497] A12. Isolation of the nanocrystals: the original solution
from the synthesis is diluted with toluene by a factor of two, and
the dots are precipitated by adding ethanol (volume of ethanol is
twice the diluted dot solution). By centrifugation the dots are
separated. These separated dots are redissolved in toluene for
further treatment (e.g. additional washing).
[0498] Note A1: Focusing and defocusing of size distribution. Size
distribution (SD) is typically one of the most important parameters
of concern. A size focusing technique is employed to obtain dots
with narrow SD. Upon injection, SD is broad but since there are
enough free precursors to maintain a high saturation concentration,
SD can be improved by continued heating under a lower temperature
(which is low enough to prohibit second nucleation). This is
because smaller dots grow faster than the bigger ones. With the
size being focused more and more precursors are consumed, the
saturation concentration goes down and therefore SD turns broad
again. This is referred to as defocusing. To ban defocusing,
additional precursors can be introduced to maintain a high
saturation concentration.
B. InP Nanocrystals with Red Emission .lamda..about.630 nm
[0499] Chemicals: The same chemicals as used in Procedure A.
[0500] For preparing 1.8 g dots in terms of InP (supposing 100%
production yield based on the amount of
tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine used; indium acetate is supplied in
excess):
[0501] B1. Prepare a growth solution (Growth B1) comprised of the
following chemicals in air and place it in a 100 ml 3-neck
flask.
Growth B1
[0502] 3.496 g indium acetate
5 g TOPO
7.196 g LA
[0503] B2. Repeat steps A2-A6.
[0504] B3. Prepare a stock solution (Stock B1) containing the
following chemicals in the glovebox. Place the well mixed
components in a 20 ml vial and stop it with a septum.
Stock B1
[0505] 0.8 g tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine
3 g TOP
[0506] B4. Nucleation: When the temperature of Growth B1 in the
flask reaches 300.degree. C., inject Stock B1 into the flask
swiftly. Upon injection temperature should drop to
.about.250.degree. C. and this temperature is maintained for 10 min
to allow the crystals grow. Take aliquots to check the peak
position of the absorption spectrum.
[0507] B5. Prepare additional growth and stock solutions for
further growth.
Stock B2
[0508] 1.5 g tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine
6 g TOP.
[0509] B6. Add 1 ml Stock B2 dropwise to the growth solution 12 min
after the injection, then add 1 ml additional Stock B2 each time
with an interval of .about.15 min until it is used up. Monitor the
growth through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy.
[0510] B7. After finishing Stock B2, the absorption peak of the
crystals was at 566 nm, so more indium and phosphorous precursors
are needed.
Growth B2
[0511] 1.119 g indium acetate
2 g TOPO
2.303 g LA
Stock B3
[0512] 0.8 g tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine
3 g TOP
[0513] B8. Place Growth B2 in a 25 ml 3-neck flask. Repeat steps
A2-A6.
[0514] B9. Cool the solution (Growth B2) to 70.degree. C. and
transfer it into the reaction flask with a 20 ml syringe.
[0515] B10. Add Stock B3 in the same manner described in step
B6.
[0516] B11. Finished adding Stock B3. The absorption peak is at 590
nm. Wait for 1 h and cool the flask to RT.
[0517] B12. Repeat steps A11-A12.
C. InP/ZnS Core-Shell Nanocrystals
[0518] Materials and Chemicals:
[0519] InP dots as synthesized (absorption peak 480-500 nm),
isolated from the original reaction solution
[0520] Diethylzinc (ZnEt.sub.2), Aldrich 1M solution in hexanes
[0521] Hexamethyldisilathiane (TMS.sub.2S, Aldrich purum grade)
[0522] TOPO, Aldrich 99%
[0523] LA, Aldrich 99.5%
[0524] Dicarboxylic acid (DCASi-Me) functionalized silicones
(MW.about.800), made, e.g., as described above in Example 6
[0525] TOP, Aldrich, purified
[0526] C1. Prepare the growth (Growth C1) and the stock (Stock C1)
solutions. Growth C1 is placed in a 100 ml 3-neck flask and
connected to the Schlenk line. The stock is placed in a 25 ml vial
and stopped with a septum.
Growth C1
[0527] 120 mg InP (dots washed one time with ethanol/toluene) in 5
ml toluene
3 g TOP
3 g TOPO
1 g LA
Stock C1
[0528] 1.037 g (1.43 ml) ZnEt.sub.2/hexane
3.083 g TMS.sub.2S in TOP (9.09 wt. %)
5.4 g TOP
[0529] C2. Pump out toluene in the flask and refill it with
N.sub.2, repeat the pumping-refilling for 3 times.
[0530] C3. Set temperature to 180.degree. C. Begin adding the stock
solution when temperature reaches 80.degree. C. Add 0.5 ml stock
solution within 1 min (T increased to 140.degree. C. after the
addition).
[0531] C4. When T reaches 180.degree. C., add another 0.5 ml Stock
C1.
[0532] C5. Add 0.5 ml Stock C1 in every 10 min until it is
finished.
[0533] C6. Wait 10 min and cool the solution down to RT. Transfer
it into the glovebox. Move the product in a 20 ml vial.
[0534] Note C1: The weight of InP is determined by the optical
density of its diluted solution in toluene. The amount of
ZnEt.sub.2 and TMS.sub.2S calculated for growing two monolayer
thick (one monolayer of ZnS equals about 0.31 nm) ZnS shells on the
InP cores (diameter 2 nm).
[0535] Note C2: DCASi-Me is used instead of LA for preparing highly
luminescent nanocrystals.
[0536] Note C3: S/Zn ratio is varied from 1.1 to 0.5. The stock may
be divided into two parts where Zn and S are in separated stock
solutions.
[0537] Note C4: to make oxide shell, after step C5, the solution is
cooled to and maintained at 100.degree. C. and air is pumped into
the solution. The oxidation process lasts 1-3 h.
[0538] Note C5: The shelling is monitored through absorption and
photoluminescence spectra. At the end, the crystals are kept in its
growth solution without being diluted, and the solution is kept in
air for storage.
[0539] It is worth noting that choice of ligand can affect quantum
yield of the resulting nanostructures. For example, a dicarboxylic
acid ligand (DCASi-Me) results in nanocrystals with a quantum yield
of greater than 50%, phosphonic acid, about 40%, and fatty acids,
about 30%.
[0540] A photoluminescence spectrum of a typical InP/ZnS
nanocrystal sample with green emission is presented in FIG. 32. As
noted above, the line width (Full Width at Half Maximum, FWHM) of
the spectrum is a signature of the particle size distribution; the
smaller the FWHM, the narrower the size distribution. The FWHM of
the spectrum illustrated in FIG. 32 is 40 nm.
[0541] FIG. 33 illustrates determination of quantum yield (.PHI.)
of the InP/ZnS nanocrystal sample described in FIG. 32. Panel A
presents absorption spectra of fluorescein dye, with known quantum
yield value, used as the reference. Panel B presents
photoluminescence spectra of the dye. Panel C presents an
absorption spectrum of the nanocrystals, and Panel D presents a
photoluminescence spectrum of the nanocrystals. Panel E shows the
quantum yield result deduced from the data of Panels A-D. The
quantum yield of the InP/ZnS nanocrystals in this example is
55%.
Example 8
Luminescent Nanocomposites
[0542] Luminescent InP/ZnSe/decylamine nanocrystals were
incorporated into a curable epoxy while preserving the luminescent
properties into the solid state, as follows. InP/ZnSe core/shell
nanocrystals were synthesized with decylamine as the surface
ligand. The addition of decylamine strongly increased the
luminescence of the InP/ZnSe nanocrystals. The nanocrystals were
washed once using toluene and methanol and resuspended in 0.5 ml
octylamine yielding a concentration of approximately 9 mg/ml.
Octylamine was chosen for compatibility with the epoxy matrix and
may prevent the surface ligands of the nanocrystals from coming off
the surface, which may have happened when nanocrystals with other
ligands were previously blended with epoxy. The above described
nanocrystal solution was added to approximately 300-500 mg degassed
Part 2 of Loctite epoxy E-30CL. After that, degassed Part 1 of the
same epoxy was added in a ratio of approximately 3:1 with respect
to Part 2. The sample was placed on a hot plate at 60.degree. C.
for 15 min in order to cure the epoxy matrix precursors. The entire
sample preparation was done in inert atmosphere in a glovebox.
[0543] As another example, InP/ZnS nanocrystals were synthesized
with the dicarboxylic acid DDSA (compound 44) as the surface
ligand. The crystals were added in a similar fashion to Part B of
the non-yellowing epoxy Epo-Tek 301-2 from Epoxy Technology at
similar concentration as described above. After that, Part A of the
same epoxy was added such that A:B was 3:1, and the sample was
heated in the glovebox at 60.degree. C. for 2 hours. All work was
done in the glovebox. The resulting sample was solid, clear and
luminescent of green color (when the crystals were washed 1.times.)
or green-yellow (unwashed nanocrystals). Green InP/ZnSe
nanocrystals with a decylamine ligand were similarly successfully
incorporated into an Epo-Tek epoxy matrix.
[0544] As another example, InP/ZnS nanocrystals were synthesized
with DDSA as the surface ligand and added into a urethane matrix.
The nanocrystals were added directly from the growth solution into
Part A of urethane set WC783 (BJB Enterprises), such that the
resulting optical density was about 0.1 at the peak of the emission
wavelength. (The concentration of the nanocrystals can also be
varied to achieve stronger luminescence.) After vortexing, aniline
was added, replacing Part B of the urethane set, and the ratio
A:aniline was 3.3:1. After vortexing, the mixture was centrifuged
for a few seconds to remove bubbles from the mixture. In a final
step, the mixture was cured at room temperature for less than 5
minutes. All work was done in air. The resulting sample was solid,
clear, and luminescent of green color. As another example, red
nanocrystals were successfully mixed into the urethane matrix. All
resulting samples were clear and luminescent. The samples still
showed luminescence after keeping in air in an oven at 60.degree.
C. for 3 months.
[0545] Optical properties of the nanocrystals can be characterized
by measurement of the UV-Vis absorption and photoluminescence
spectra using a commercial UV-Vis spectrophotometer and a
fluorometer. Internal photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the
nanocrystals in solution are calculated using reference standards
of known quantum yields. Photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of
the nanocrystals in a solid matrix are determined using an
integrating sphere. The quantum yield of an exemplary luminescent
nanocomposite is 18%, compared to a quantum yield of 53% for
corresponding nanocrystals in solution.
[0546] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and
scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0547] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those
skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent or patent application was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
* * * * *